Significance of Individuation in Adult Child–Parent Relationships

Abstract

This study investigates the significance of adult children's individuation for the adult child—parent relationship. Following Youniss, individuation was assessed via its dimensions of both connectedness and individuality. A sample of 349 participants between 20 and 47 years of age were given questionnaires containing scales from the Network of Relationships Inventory among others. Individuation predicted satisfaction, intimacy, and conflict. The combination of connectedness and individuality did not have any impact on relationship quality. The significance of children's individuation did not differ between young and middle-aged adults.