"Interdependence in the relationship between adults and their parents" (2016-2017)

Published: 2026
Keywords: Developmental Psychology

Buhl, Heike M.; Hoellger, Christian; Sommer, Sabrina

"Interdependence in the relationship between adults and their parents" (2016-2017)

Developmental Psychology

Authors(s) / Creator(s)

Buhl, Heike M.
Hoellger, Christian
Sommer, Sabrina

Abstract

The relationship between adults aged between 25 and 50 and their parents is analysed in terms of their interdependence. This includes the provision and receipt of support as well as the influence on the other (socialisation) and within the relationship (relative power). Interdependence is predicted by aspects of relationship quality and social expectations, which are reflected in values, social norms and personal commitment. In order to investigate the interdependence and predictive power of the predictors, a comprehensive questionnaire study was conducted with triads of adult child, mother and father that were as complete as possible (N = 600 adult children). Standardised and, where possible, well-established scales were used. Pseudonymisation enabled allocation between the family members and to a second measurement point. The project was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Persistent Identifier

https://doi.org/10.5160/psychdata.blhe17in13

Year of Publication

2026

Funding

German Research Foundation (DFG)

How to cite

Buhl, H. M., Hoellger, C. & Sommer, S. (2026). "Interdependence in the relationship between adults and their parents" (2016-2017) (Version 1.0.0) [Data and Documentation]. Trier: Research Data Center at ZPID. https://doi.org/10.5160/psychdata.blhe17in13

Sharing Level 2 (Restricted Scientific Use)

Embargoed until
31.12.2026

Study Description

Research Questions/Hypotheses:

There are correlations between values, attitudes (e.g. felt obligation) and social support.

There are correlations between relationship quality, individuation and social support.
Mothers support their children more than fathers and are supported by their children more than fathers.

There are correlations between relationship quality and individuation on the one hand and interdependence in terms of support and influence on the other.

Research Design:

Fully standardised survey instrument (provides question formulation and answer options); single measurement

Measurement Instruments/Apparatus:

Fully standardized survey instrument (question categories and response options specified)

Data Collection Method:

Survey in the absence of an investigator

Postal survey

Population:

Family triads with children in middle adulthood, their fathers and mothers

Survey Time Period:

2016-06-01 to 2017-12-31

Sample:

Convenience sample

Gender distribution:

Children: n(female)=323 (54%); n(male)=270 (46%)
Mothers: n(female)=539; n(male)=1
Fathers: n(female)=1; n(male)=502

Age distribution: M(child)=33.86, Min=25, Max=49; M(mother)=61, Min=40, Max=87; M(father)=62.92, Min=40, Max=90

Geographic coverage (country/region/city): Germany/North Rhine-Westphalia (primarily)/-

Subject Recruitment:

advertisements at the university
advertisements in newspapers
flyers
lectures
internet

Sample Size:

n_child=600, n_mother=540, n_father=503

Return/Drop Out:

Publications Directly Related to the Dataset
Hoellger, C., Sommer, S., Albert, I. & Buhl, H. M. (2021). Intergenerational value similarity in adulthood. Journal of Family Issues, 42 (6), 1234-1257. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20943914.
Hoellger, C., Sommer, S., & Buhl, H. M. (2023). Intergenerational Value Similarity and Subjective Well-Being. Journal of Family Issues, 44 (3), 610-632. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X211054470
Hoellger, C., Sommer, S. & Buhl, H. M. (2021). Zusammenhang zwischen der familiären Lebenssituation und Werteähnlichkeiten in der Eltern-Kind-Beziehung im Erwachsenenalter. Zeitschrift für Soziologie der Erziehung und Sozialisation, 41 (4), 432-448. https://doi.org/10.3262/ZSE2104432
Tagliabue, S., Zambelli, M., Sorgente, A., Sommer, S., Hoellger, C., Buhl, H. M. & Lanz, M. (2021). Latent congruence model to investigate similarity and accuracy in family members' perception: The challenge of cross-national and cross-informant measurement (non)invariance. Frontiers in Psychology, Section Quantitative Psychology and Measurement, 12, Article 672383. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.672383.
Schönert, K., Sommer, S., & Buhl, H. M. (2025). Impact of felt obligation and perceived mutual reciprocity on support between mothers and their adult children. Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, 3, 1508469. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdpys.2025.1508469
Schönert, K., Sommer, S., & Buhl, H. M. (2026). Prädiktoren der persönlichen Verpflichtung in Eltern-Kind-Beziehungen im Erwachsenenalter. Zeitschrift für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie. https://doi.org/10.1026/0049-8637/a000315

Utilized Test Methods
Albert, I. (2007). Intergenerationale Transmission von Werten in Deutschland und Frankreich. Lengerich: Pabst. PSYNDEX
Buhl, H. M. (2003). Personale Bedingungen reziproker Eltern‐Kind‐Beziehungen. In H. Reinders & E. Wild (Hrsg.), Jugendzeit ‐ Time out? Die Ausgestaltung des Jugendalters als Moratorium (S. 257‐276). Opladen: Leske + Budrich. PSYNDEX
Buhl, H. M. (2008a). Development of a model describing individuated adult child‐parent relationships. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32 (5), 381‐389. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025408093656 PSYNDEX
Buhl, H. M. (2008b). Ein erweitertes individuationstheoretisches Modell zur Vorhersage der aktuellen und geplanten Unterstützung Erwachsener für ihre Eltern. In E. J. Brunner (Hrsg.), Intergenerationelle Transferleistungen in Familien. (S. 79-99.) Jena: Verlag IKS Garamond.
Buhl, M. (1994). Retroaktive Sozialisation zwischen erwachsenen Töchtern und ihren Müttern, Unveröffentlichte Diplomarbeit, Universität Mannheim.
Buhl, H. M. (2009). My mother: My best friend? Adults’ relationships with significant others across the lifespan. Journal of Adult Development, 16, 239‐249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804..009-9070-2 PSYNDEX
Chan, D. K.-S. (1994). COLINDEX: A refinement of three collectivism measures. In U. Kim, H. C. Triandis, C. Kagitcibasi, S.-C. Choi & G. Yoon (Eds.), Individualism and collectivism: Theory, method, and applications (pp. 200-210). Thousands Oaks, CA: Sage.
Côté, J. E. (1997). An empirical test of the identity capital model. Journal of Adolescence, 20(5), 577-597. https://doi.org/10.1006/jado.1997.0111 PSYNDEX
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the selfdetermination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227-268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of personality assessment, 49(1), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13

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Further Reading
Buhl, H. M. & Sommer, S. (2019). Intergenerationelle Beziehungen in der Familie. Interdependenzen und Dependenzen in der Beziehung zwischen Erwachsenen und ihren Eltern. Psychotherapie im Alter, 16 (2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.30820/1613-2637-2019-2-123
Buhl, H. M. & Sommer, S. (2019). Intergenerationelle Beziehungen in der Familie. Interdependenzen und Dependenzen in der Beziehung zwischen Erwachsenen und ihren Eltern. Psychotherapie im Alter, 16 (2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.30820/1613-2637-2019-2-123 PSYNDEX