Parental Divorce and Family Functioning: Effects on Differentiation Levels of Young Adults

Abstract

This study examined the effect of parental divorce and various dimensions of functioning in the family of origin on young adult development. A total of 813 participants completed the Self-Report Family Inventory, the Differentiation of Self Inventory, and demographic questions. Results indicate that parental divorce and family functioning significantly affect differentiation levels of young adults. Implications of the results for counselors and future researchers are provided.