The Influence of Religion on Ties between Adult Children and Their Parents

Valarie King, Pennsylvania State University
Maggie Ledwell, Pennsylvania State University
Jennifer Pearce-Morris, Pennsylvania State University

In this study we examine whether religious adults (as measured by the frequency of attendance at religious services) report more extensive ties with their parents. Using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), we consider several dimensions of adult children’s relationships with their parents including relationship quality, frequency of contact, providing care to parents, and providing other types of assistance and support. Preliminary findings suggest that religious adults have more extensive ties with their parents than their less religious peers. Factors that potentially confound or explain the connection between religiousness and adult children’s ties to parents are also examined.