The Long-Term Impact of Family Experiences in Adolescence on Mother-Child Relationships in Early Adulthood.

Abstract

In this study, we examine the long-term effects of family experiences during mid-adolescence, including parental divorce and separation, on mother-child solidarity in early adulthood. The study combines a longitudinal analysis of stability and change in family relationships from mid-adolescence to early adulthood with a cross-sectional examination of the mechanisms of intergenerational solidarity in early adulthood. The data come from the German LifE-Study, which spans 20 years (from 1982 to 2002) and includes information on 1179 mother-child relationships. Findings from structural equation models reveal that emotional closeness, contact frequency, and instrumental support provided by adult children to mothers are significantly influenced-both directly and indirectly-by family experiences in adolescence. Additionally, compared to mother-adult daughter relationships, mother-adult son relationships were found to be less involved and more reliant on current contact frequency. However, for most participants, the mother-adult child relationship was found to be close and supportive, constituting a long-lasting bond.