“I would have needed someone on my side”: Retrospective accounts of parental conflict, current well-being, and reflections on support experiences of adult children of high conflict divorce

Research shows that high-conflict divorces are linked to diverse psychosocial challenges for children. However, little is known about the long-term well-being and support needs of adult children of high-conflict divorce, both internationally and particularly in Germany. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores the psychological well-being (emotion regulation, stress, and self-esteem) of 168 adult children of divorce, their retrospective accounts of parental conflict level, and their support experiences and needs. Findings reveal poorer well-being in adulthood for those exposed to high conflict, alongside a relevant gap between support needs and access. The study underscores the importance of early child-centered interventions and the need for support for adult children to mitigate long-term risks and transgenerational transmission. Implications for social work and policy are discussed.