IMPACT OF THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILIES WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN ON THEIR FAMILY FUNCTIONING DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Families with school-age children were particularly affected by the changes resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic. Facing the new reality, the family systems and the family members were challenged to reorganize their individual and family functioning, given their practical, relational and emotional developmental tasks in a changed life context. Objective: This research aims to examine the impact of socio-demographic variables on the family on their general functioning on the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia during the Covid 19 pandemic. Method and Materials: The research included 148 respondents - parents of school-age children. The research was conducted in the period from October 2020 to April 2021. The instruments used in the research are Demographic Data Questionnaire and Family Assessment Device (FAD). Results: The results show that higher level of education, higher family income as well as employment of the family members are associated with better family functioning. According to the results, a larger number of family members is associated with poorer family functioning, as well as a larger number of children in the family. Conclusion: Certain socio-demographic characteristics of families with school-age children have an impact on their overall family functioning during the Covid 19 pandemic. It is common for all families to face problems in pandemic conditions, but it depends on their abilities and strengths how they deal with them. Psychological support for the families can be useful in overcoming the challenges, considering their characteristics, needs, as well as the specifics of the family life cycle.