Consequences of Parent-Adult Child Coresidence

Abstract

Coresidence by parents and adult children is not preferred or normative, but neither is it uncommon. Contrary to expectations based on caregiving for frail older parents, such coresidence more typically reflects the housing needs of the coresident children, who are disproportionately unmarried and living in households of parents. Although limited research on consequences of coresidence indicates that it is not generally characterized by dissatisfaction and conflict, considerable gaps remain in understanding its implications for parent child relations and well-being. Conceptual approaches related to life course transitions and exchange relations are used as theoretical frameworks to develop research hypotheses. Methodological and empirical issues are also discussed to guide further investigations of the nature and outcomes of parent-child coresidence.