Researchers at MGPPU have discovered how parent-child relationships impact a child's future family dynamics.

Researchers from the Moscow State Psychological and Pedagogical University, Maria Odintsova, Natalia Radchikova, and Evgenia Musakhanova, conducted an online survey involving 853 participants from two countries — Russia and Belarus. The findings of their work have been published in the scientific journal "Social Psychology and Society."

“Our aim was to analyze the impact of immediate contextual influences (parent-child emotional communications) on the viability of adult families,” the psychologists from MGPPU explain regarding the study's objective. “The research was conducted using data from two independent samples: from Russia and the Republic of Belarus, as the shared history, some similarities in cultural traditions, and the presence of a common state language allow for such studies to verify the reliability of the obtained results. In the Republic of Belarus, we collaborated with colleagues from the branch of the Russian State Social University in Minsk, particularly with Natalia Azaryonok.”

Participants in the study completed a survey that measured family viability ("Family Viability Scale") and identified dysfunctions in parental families ("Family Emotional Communications"). Additionally, a projective method called "Tree and Light Space" was employed. Respondents were asked to select an illustration (one of four) that best represented their childhood. They were then required to write a story about the life of the child depicted in the image.

According to the study's results, the most significant influence on the emotional aspect of the viability of families with adult children comes from the elimination of emotions (the prohibition of their open expression) and family perfectionism. Frequent parental criticism, increased control, and interference in the child's affairs also have an adverse effect. However, the presence and number of children (the more, the better) in a family, along with cultural practices and traditions, contribute to enhancing the viability of future families. Distancing from culture, doubts, and rejection of others are characteristics found only in a small portion of Russians and Belarusians, yet these feelings are combined with confidence in the future.

The results from the projective method "Tree and Light Space" were further analyzed, revealing the respondents' issues through vivid and touching stories-fables. More details can be found in the article.