Loyalty Conflict, Feelings of Unfairness, and Young Adults' Individuation Difficulties in Separated and Nonseparated Families

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of family structure (separated or nonseparated parents) and gender on young adults' loyalty conflict, feelings of unfairness toward parents, and individuation difficulties, using a sample of 264 Italian participants. The predictive power of parent–child variables on children's individuation was also tested. Results show the effect of family structure on feelings of unfairness and on individuation difficulties, as well as gender differences. Feelings of unfairness can predict individuation difficulties.

Keywords:

• divorce
• feelings of unfairness
• individuation difficulties
• loyalty conflict
• young adults