Family Functioning as Correlates to Prosocial Behavior and Aggression: Basis for an Enhanced Guidance Program

The study aims to determine if family functioning is significantly correlated to prosocial behavior and aggression among junior high school students. A total of 206 respondents across two schools from the second district of Valenzuela, Metro Manila, served as the respondents and were selected through a random sampling technique. Three instruments were used: (a) the Family Assessment Device (FAD) which measures the healthiness of family functioning across six dimensions and one general functioning dimension, (b) the Prosocial Behavior Scale which assesses prosocial behavior through trust, and altruism, and agreeableness, and (c) the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire which measures aggression through as a trait through four subtraits. The findings revealed that in terms of the dimensions of family functioning, two are within healthy levels, specifically, problem-solving, and roles, while the remaining dimensions of communication, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behavior control, and general functioning are within unhealthy levels. Prosocial behavior, on the other hand, was found to be high among the respondents. And lastly, all subtraits of aggression were moderate. The dimensions of family functioning were revealed to have a significant negative relationship with prosocial behavior. This means that as problematic family functioning increases, prosocial behavior decreases. In terms of family functioning and aggression, all subtraits of aggression were found to have a significant positive relationship with dimensions of family functioning. This means that as problematic family functioning increases, aggression also increases. Lastly, in terms of prosocial behavior and aggression, no significant relationship was established. Based on the findings, different activities were proposed to provide enhancements to guidance program within the institutions.