"Reconnecting with My Roots": A Qualitative Analysis of Previously Launched Adults
Date
2008-05
Authors
Farris, Demetrea Nicole
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Abstract
According to the U.S. Census, the number of adult children moving back in with their parents is growing. Research shows attributable factors that include student loan
debt, dismal job opportunities, economic downturn, low salaries for entry-level jobs and high housing costs. These adult children are commonly called “previously launched
adults”, and this study focused on “previously launched adults” who are college graduates. Studies show that adult children returning to the home of their parents affects
the happiness of the parents, but to my knowledge there is no research on how the children themselves feel about the move. My study explored experiences of “previously
launched adults.” Utilizing qualitative in-depth interviews with 16 (8 male and 8 female) individuals, I studied what the emotions, experiences and feelings were of individuals
moving back in with a parent. I also explored the self-esteem, self-appraisal, and identity of those who did so. I inquired whether those who moved back in with their parents felt stigmatized by their peers. I examined how they negotiated these effects and what these experiences meant to them.
Description
Keywords
Adult children, Parents, Psychology, Living with parents, Family relationships
Citation
Farris, D. N. (2008). <i>"Reconnecting with my roots": A qualitative analysis of previously launched adults</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.