Family structure and financial independence as predictors of separation-individuation

Separation-individuation is the process by which an adolescent develops a sense of identity separate from his parents. While the goal of this process is separation, it is within the context of a supportive relationship that the adolescent is most easily able to achieve this sense of self. One aspect of developmental growth during adolescence is financial independence. As the adolescent moves towards adulthood he will need to develop the ability to earn a living and manage his own finances. Past research has divided the task of separation-individuation into four separate areas; (I) emotional independence, (II) functional independence, (III) attitudinal independence, and (IV) conflictual independence. The purpose of this study was to identify whether it was possible to be financially independent while struggling with issues of conflictual independence. Also, as previous research emphasized the importance of familial relationships, this study investigated relationships between marital conflict, parent-child over-involvement, fear of separation and separation-individuation.; Participants were 127 college students from a Northeastern university. Students participated in the project in order to obtain a research credit. Participants identified their race/ethnicity as African-American (2), Asian (20), Latino (7), Other (1), and White (91). Six students identified themselves as mixed. Each student completed a demographic survey and The Multigenerational Interconnectedness Scale, The Family Structure Scale, and The Psychological Separation Inventory.; Hypothesis I stated that financial independence is negatively associated with conflictual independence from parents. Correlational analyses yielded no significant results for this hypothesis. Hypothesis II stated that marital conflict is negatively associated with financial independence Correlation analyses suggested a trend between marital conflict and financial independence. Hypothesis III stated that parent-child role reversal is positively associated with financial independence. Correlational analyses offered no significant results for this hypothesis. Hypothesis IV stated that parent child over-involvement is positively associated with lower financial independence. Correlational analyses yielded no significant results for this hypothesis. Hypothesis V stated fear of separation is negatively associated with financial independence. Correlational analyses yielded no significant results.