The Transition to Young Adulthood: Generational Boundary Dissolution and Female Identity Development

• Published in: Family process 1993-03, Vol.32 (1), p.87-103
• Main Authors: FULLINWIDER-BUSH, NELL, JACOBVITZ, DEBORAH B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent girls; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Career Choice; Caregivers - psychology; Courtship; Family - psychology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gender Identity; Human Development; Humans; Identity formation; Intergenerational Relations; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Problem Solving; Psychology, Adolescent; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Self Concept; Social psychology; Social structure and organization; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transition; Women - psychology; Young women
• ISSN: 0014-7370; 1545-5300
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1993.00087.x

This research explored links between differential qualities of family connectedness and young adult females' development of an independent identity. Identity development involves exploration of possible roles and choices in particular domains such as occupation, dating, and friendship, followed by commitment to a set of values and behaviors in one of these areas. In this study, women who reported that their parents encouraged autonomy while still maintaining closeness also reported more exploration in their friendship and dating relationships. In contrast, reports of parent‐child boundary dissolution, characterized by role‐reversal, enmeshment, and overinvolvement, were related to less exploration, particularly in dating relationships. Mother‐daughter boundary dissolution, specifically, was linked to women'stendency to base their commitments to a career and relationships with others on parental values and expectations without ever exploring alternative choices. Father‐daughter boundary dissolution was related to lower exploration as well as lower commitment to values and beliefs in any area. These findings lend support to theoretical and clinical impressions that inter‐generational boundary violations hinder the development of an independent identity.