1st Edition

The Transition to Adulthood and Family Relations An Intergenerational Approach

    168 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    168 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    This book explores the development of a new path of transition between adolescence and adulthood in recent generations. Whereas traditionally the transition into adulthood was marked by a clear and irreversible change in condition, we are now seeing a continuance in the role and influence of the family on the young adult. What consequences does this have for our society? Is the persistence of emotional bonds which previously loosened during adolescence, inhibiting young people from developing into full adulthood?

    The authors present a clear and in-depth analysis of the theoretical framework surrounding the transition into adulthood both from a generational point of view and a relationship-centred perspective. The findings of international research are presented and compared across generations, gender and geographical location within Europe. The different research methods of ‘family related research’ and ‘family research’ are also distinguished and analysed.

    This volume offers an original and multi-faceted review of this topic. The family is considered as an organization, and the interdependencies and interconnections between its members, the generations and genders investigated. It offers a unique contribution to the current literature and will appeal to an international audience of researchers, policy makers and educators both in academic and professional spheres.

    Introduction. Part I: The Theoretical and Methodological Background. The Identity of the Family. "Family Research" vs "Family Related Research": a Crucial Difference. Part II: An Analysis of Family Relationships by Gender and Generations. Family Relations, Psychosocial Risk, Pro-social Behaviour, Planning for the Future: Parents and Children, Face to Face. Concluding Remarks and New Research Questions. Appendix. References.

    Biography

    Eugenia Scabini, Elena Marta, Margherita Lanz

    'The authors expertly lead readers through an understanding of their social relational model and methodology to family study with a variety of tables and databases. ... This book will be extremeley useful to researchers seeking greater understanding of family transitions and relationships. Don't be fooled by the brevity of its 111 pages of text. Each page and chapter is highly condensed, with clear methodological analysis of the transitions to adulthood.' - Robert Butziger, in PsycCRITIQUES, September 2006