How Parent and Peer Relationships Shape the Emerging Adult Experience

Emerging adulthood is a unique and transformative time, typically spanning the late teens through the early twenties. It's a period marked by personal growth, shifting identity, emotional change, and major life decisions. But not all emerging adults experience this transition in the same way. According to a recent study published in the Journal of College Counseling, the closeness of a young person’s relationships with both parents and peers can significantly influence how they navigate this stage of development. Even more interestingly, the effects of these relationships appear to differ depending on whether the individual identifies as male or female. Today, I will be exploring Gender, Parent and Peer Relationships, and Identification With Emerging Adulthood Among College Students.

---

The Power of Close Relationships in Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood, typically spanning the ages of 18 to 25, is a period of significant life transitions. College, career choices, new relationships, and identity exploration all take center stage. But how someone experiences this time depends heavily on the people closest to them. A recent study published in the Journal of College Counseling explored how closeness in parent and peer relationships influences five key dimensions of emerging adulthood: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and perceived possibilities. The findings show that both relationships matter, but not equally for everyone.

---

For Men, Peer Relationships Matter More

Among male participants, the study found that peer closeness had a stronger influence than parent closeness on four out of the five dimensions of emerging adulthood. Strong peer bonds were associated with higher levels of identity exploration, optimism about the future, self-focus, and feelings that persisted between adolescence and adulthood. Although relationships with parents also predicted some outcomes, such as reduced feelings of instability and greater self-focus, they were generally less influential than friendships. This suggests that for men, peer support may play a central role in navigating early adulthood.

---

For Women, Parent Relationships Carry More Weight

Female participants showed the opposite pattern. Closeness with parents was more strongly associated with most dimensions of emerging adulthood. Women who felt connected to their parents were more likely to feel optimistic, stable, self-directed, and aware of their transitional stage in life. Peer closeness still had an impact, particularly in supporting self-focus and a sense of possibility, but it played a secondary role. For women, it appears that family relationships continue to be a critical source of emotional support and identity grounding during college.

---

Why Gender Differences May Exist

These gender differences might be explained by patterns in attachment behavior. Previous research has shown that men are more likely to exhibit avoidant attachment, distancing themselves from family relationships and turning more toward peers for emotional connection. Women, who tend to show lower rates of avoidant attachment, may maintain stronger emotional bonds with their parents into adulthood. These underlying attachment styles could shape how young adults engage with those around them and how they experience developmental milestones.

---

Indirect Effects Reveal Deeper Connections

The study also examined whether peer closeness serves as a bridge between parent closeness and outcomes in emerging adulthood. In other words, do close relationships with parents help foster better friendships, which then lead to stronger developmental outcomes? The answer appears to be yes. For men, these indirect effects were significant for identity exploration, possibilities, self-focus, and feeling in-between. For women, indirect effects were found for instability, possibilities, and self-focus. This finding supports the notion that a secure family foundation enables young adults to establish healthy peer relationships, which in turn shape their personal growth.

---

Implications for Counselors and College Professionals

For college counselors, these findings underscore the importance of assessing students' relationships with their peers. Both parent and peer attachments have a measurable impact on how students navigate early adulthood. Understanding where a student draws support from can provide insight into their mental health, goals, and emotional resilience. Using tools like the IDEA and IPPA inventories can help counselors identify the relational factors that may be influencing a client’s presenting concerns.

---

The Importance of Gender-Sensitive Support

The study also emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive therapeutic approaches. Counselors working with male students may benefit from focusing on strengthening peer relationships and peer-based support systems. For female students, exploring family dynamics and parental connections could be more impactful. Recognizing these gender patterns helps professionals tailor their strategies and treatment plans more effectively.

---

A Note on Study Limitations

While the findings are compelling, the study has several limitations. The sample was mostly White and consisted only of individuals who identified as either male or female. Future research should explore how these relationships influence emerging adulthood across different racial, cultural, and gender identities, including transgender and nonbinary students. In addition, the cross-sectional design prevents firm conclusions about cause and effect.

---

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the study affirms a powerful truth: the relationships that young adults maintain, both with their families and friends, play a central role in shaping who they are and who they are becoming. For men, peer connections may provide the fuel for growth and exploration. For women, strong ties to parents may offer the grounding they need to thrive. Both relationships matter, and understanding them more deeply helps us support emerging adults on their unique journeys toward adulthood.