Transitions in Young Adulthood and the Relationship between Parent and Offspring Well-Being

This study advances sociological theory by elaborating on the significance of social integration into a family for parent and offspring well-being. The study assesses the extent to which changes in the psychological well-being of young adults engender changes in their parents' psychological well-being, and vice versa. The results suggest that the relationship is reciprocal; changes in a young adult's psychological well-being affect the psychological well-being of a parent. Similarly, changes in a parent's feelings of well-being affect those of a young adult offspring. The findings provide evidence that children and their parents continue to influence one another's well-being as both generations age.