Understanding the Parent-Child Relationship during the Transition into College and Emerging Adulthood Using the Relational Turbulence Theory |
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Authors: | Emily Scheinfeld Timothy Worley |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Communication, The University of Texas at Tyler;2. Department of Communication Arts &3. Sciences, Pennsylvania State University |
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Abstract: | Emerging adulthood presents individuals with increased levels of relational uncertainty, perceived interference, and feelings of conflict or turbulence, especially within the parent-child dyad as children enter emerging adulthood. This study argues the relationship turbulence theory provides a framework to examine parent-child dyads experiencing the transition into adulthood. One hundred and forty-three emerging adults reported on their relationship with a parent, as well as recent interactions with their parent. Structural equation modeling demonstrated the relational turbulence theory is generalizable to parent-child contexts. Further explanation of these results and possible implications of the study are discussed. |
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Keywords: | emerging adults family communication parent-child communication relational turbulence theory relational uncertainty |
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