Self-understanding and Family Relationships in Modern Society: A Psychological Analysis

The relevance of this study lies in the growing need to strengthen self-understanding amid globalisation and socio-cultural change in order to improve family relationships and reduce intergenerational conflicts. The study examined the impact of self-understanding on family relationships under contemporary social conditions. Data were collected through psychological testing and a sociological survey of 300 participants aged 20–55 from different regions of Kyrgyzstan, with an approximately equal gender distribution. Results showed that self-understanding, emotional intelligence, and empathy significantly influence family communication, constructive conflict resolution, and emotional support. Statistical analysis revealed positive correlations between self-understanding and emotional intelligence (r=0.42, p<0.01), empathy (r=0.38, p<0.05), and family relationship quality (r=0.44, p<0.01). Regression analysis indicated that these traits explain up to 30% of the variance in family relationship indicators. Significant differences in self-understanding were found between urban and rural residents and were associated with education level and gender-role attitudes. Higher levels of self-understanding were observed among participants with higher education, urban residence, migration experience, and more egalitarian distributions of family responsibilities (F=5.12, p<0.01). The findings suggest that socio-economic and cultural factors, including urbanisation, education, and migration experience, contribute to the development of personal qualities that support harmonious family relationships. The study highlights the importance of considering both psychological characteristics and social context in family support programmes. The results can inform psychological interventions, educational initiatives, and social policies aimed at enhancing self-understanding, emotional intelligence, empathy, and intergenerational harmony.