An Exploratory Analysis of Critical Incidents of Closeness in the Mother/Son Relationship

Abstract

The purpose of the current project was to investigate critical moments affecting closeness within the historically understudied mother/son relationship. A significant amount of research on the interpersonal qualities of the parent-child relationship has been conducted. A gap in knowledge regarding opposite-sex parent-child relationships, however, continues to exist. The purpose of this project was to identify significant life events that either increased or decreased closeness within the mother/son relationship, thereby altering the relational quality of the dyad. Using a critical incident methodology, 138 sons and 57 mothers (not related) participated in the study. Sons reported 130 critical incidents affecting closeness with his mother, resulting in six major categories of events. Mothers reported 72 critical incidents affecting closeness with her son, resulting in seven major categories of events. Both mothers and sons found considerable agreement concerning the moments affecting their perceptions of closeness. Issues of social support, family crisis, distance, and conflict emerged as significant experiences through which mother/son closeness is maintained or inhibited.