The Effects of Political Difference on Parent-Child Relationships
Political polarization is a significant social issue that increasingly affects personal family dynamics, particularly relationships between parents and their children. Internal political disagreements within families can lead to a decline in overall well-being and mental health for all members, create feelings of alienation for adult children, and cause emotional distress and social isolation for parents, especially as they age and rely more on their children for support.
Jason Folmsbee and Allison Farrell from Miami University, in collaboration with Dr. Heather Claypool at Miami University and Dr. Pierce Ekstrom at University of Nebraska—Lincoln conducted a research study funded by MRI to explore how political differences between aging parents and their young adult children impact family dynamics. Specifically, the study examined relationship quality and the children’s sense of belonging when returning home. Preliminary findings suggested that political disagreements were associated with lower relationship satisfaction and a diminished sense of belonging among adult children.
The study aims to understand the psychological impact of political disagreements in families, identify factors that contribute to the erosion of emotional closeness, and explore any protective factors, such as supportive family members or coping strategies, that could mitigate relationship strain. The ultimate goal is to create interventions that can help preserve family bonds in politically divided households.
The research focused on students at Miami University and took place during the 2024 Thanksgiving break, a time often marked by both family gatherings and political discussions.
The study was conducted in three phases:
Pre-Thanksgiving Survey: Participants completed a baseline assessment that included their political beliefs, sense of belonging, and evaluations of each parent's political views and the quality of their relationships with them.
2. Daily Diary Surveys (7 Days over Thanksgiving): Participants reported daily on whether political conversations occurred, their intensity, agreement levels, and emotional tone. They also provided insights into:
○ Coping strategies used
○ The presence of others during the conversation
○ The alignment of others with either the participants or their parents (examining social support and family network dynamics)
○ Their sense of belonging, mood, closeness to each parent, and overall life satisfaction.
3. Post-Thanksgiving Follow-Up: A final survey assessed any lasting effects of political conversations on:
○ Relationship quality with each parent
○ Sense of belonging
○ Emotional well-being and life satisfaction
This project offers a timely and innovative exploration into the effects of political discord on one of the most fundamental human relationships—the parent-child relationship. By identifying the mechanisms and factors that influence political conflict, the research supports the MRI's goal of fostering healthier, more resilient family systems. Ultimately, the study seeks to develop interventions that promote emotional well-being and a sense of belonging, even in politically divided homes.