Publication Date

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Sibley, Daniel S.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

The objective of this research was to explore the effect of parental alcohol abuse on emerging adult romantic relationships. Parent-child relationships play an important role and can impact emerging adults’ ability to function in their own relationships. Additionally, the role that alcohol plays in the childhood home has direct implications for child development. Data was collected using an initial survey and follow up extensive one-on-one interviews. Fifteen emerging adults (ages 18-29) were interviewed on their relationship with their parents, the role that alcohol played in their childhood home, as well as their relationship with their current romantic partner. The interviews were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory, which specifically brought attention to the participants unique experiences and individual perceptions of those experiences. In the end, there were six themes that emerged from the three research questions. The research questions included whether emerging adults believe alcohol abuse influenced their family functioning, how emerging adults in homes with alcohol abuse select a romantic partner, and how parental alcohol abuse influences the characteristics of contemporary romantic relationships amongst emerging adults. The first research question produced two themes related to the participants’ relationship with their parents, (1) the dysfunction of family relations and (2) varying levels of parental relationship commitment. The second research question produced a single theme centered on (3) awareness of avoiding intergenerational patterns in choosing one’s mate. The third research question, which attempts to tap the characteristics or qualities of the respondent’s contemporary romantic relationships, produces three overriding themes, (4) trust or the lack thereof (5) the desire for open communications and (6) closeness or the willingness of the respondent to be fully intimate in their current relationship. The results from this study better our understanding of the role parental alcohol abuse plays in emerging adult romantic relationships. An important insight gathered from this research is the desire for emerging adults to avoid intergenerational patterns of dysfunctional romantic relationships. Over all, the findings will be beneficial to clinicians, educators and other professionals who may apply the findings to help foster resiliency amongst children of alcoholics. Additionally, these findings can be used to promote intentional decision making amongst emerging adults, especially as it relates to their choices regarding romantic relationships and alcohol usage.

Extent

75 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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