How Does the Family Influence the Process of Transition to Adulthood? A Comparative Study of Young People with and without Family Ties in Spain

Leticia Cano-López, Yolanda María De la Fuente-Robles, Virginia Fuentes, María Aranda and Macarena Espinilla-Estévez
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Leticia Cano-López: Department of Psychology, Area of Social Work, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Yolanda María De la Fuente-Robles: Department of Psychology, Area of Social Work, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Virginia Fuentes: Department of Psychology, Area of Social Work, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
María Aranda: Department of Psychology, Area of Social Psychology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Macarena Espinilla-Estévez: Department of Computer Science, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-11

Abstract: The transition to adulthood is a process that brings childhood to an end and turns the individual into a young adult. This process is characterised by the acquisition of new roles for young people, roles linked to the development of personal autonomy that culminate in their emotional and functional independence. The aim of this study was to ascertain how young people with family ties and youths without family support perceive and understand their emancipation process. The study also sought to identify the extent to which family provides support during the emancipation process. The research design was qualitative and used the focus group technique for data collection. The total sample consisted of 12 participants (seven males and five females) with an average age of 18. Five of them were minors in the custody of the State, and seven were young adults in a regular family environment. The information collected was analysed using Atlas.ti software. The results highlighted the existence of difficulties and barriers among young people (with and without family ties) related to psychological problems, difficulties in choosing training, finding a job and, in short, emancipation. However, young people with healthy social ties and family stability during their childhood had more support for an effective transition to independent adulthood compared to young people without family ties.

Keywords: emancipation process; family support; transition to adulthood; young people; ex-ward youths (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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