Impact of Family Interaction on Future Adult Child-Parent Travel Intention: Implementing the McMaster Model of Family Functioning

Abstract

Adult child-parent travel is a prevalent, but understudied, phenomenon in Confucian Asian countries. To better understand how adult children evaluate such tourism experiences, this research re-conceptualizes dimensions of family interaction and examines their impacts on future adult child-parent travel intention within the mainland China context using a mixed-method approach. Guided by the McMaster model of Family Functioning, qualitative findings suggest that family interaction includes three dimensions: Communication, Affective Interaction, and Problem Solving. Additionally, analysis of data collected from 451 Chinese adult children who traveled with their parents reveals that family interaction positively influences future adult child-parent travel intention through enhanced family intimacy and increased tourist engagement. This study contributes not only to the existing literature on family travel but also provides guidance for fostering positive adult child-parent interactions, aiming to ensure the sustainable development of adult child-parent travel.