Level of launching as affected by degree of differentiation
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct quantitative research examining the effects of differentiation on the level of launching of emerging adults, ages 19-35. Arnett’s concept of emerging adulthood was used to examine launching patterns while considering various demographic independent variables such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, parental relationship status, and job status (1998; 2000; 2004). Kerr and Bowen’s (1978) theory of differentiation and conflict resolution were also examined in participants to see how they might affect emerging adults’ level of launching. Level of launching was broken into four categories: launching and not returning home; boomeranging/returning home after launching; relaunching after having boomeranged; and never launching. This study was conducted as an online, convenience survey consisting of 267 participants between the age of 19 and 35. The results largely unsupported the hypotheses, with a few variables having significant results. Significance of prediction was only found in three subgroups; being single was found to be a predictor for boomeranging after launching (b=20.13, Wald χ2 (1)= 1110.40, p < .001); having parents that are divorced/separated/single/ widowed (b=-3.710, Wald χ2 (1)= 4.151, p<.05) and being engaged (b=-1.658, Wald χ2 (1)= 3.954, p <.05) was found to be a predictor for relaunching after boomeranging.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Edwards, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology
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