Emerging adults’ received and desired support from parents: Evidence for optimal received–desired support matching and optimal support surpluses

Abstract

This study examined parental support to emerging adults from a support gap perspective, which focuses on discrepancies between the amount of support received and the amount of support desired. Analyzing survey data collected from a sample of emerging adults in college (N = 341) with polynomial regressions and response surface modeling, the current study revealed that implications of support gaps differed by the support type, directionality of the discrepancy (i.e., support deficits or surpluses), and outcome of interest. For all types of support, emerging adults’ perceived stress was lowest when received and desired parental support were congruent. However, received–desired support congruence corresponded with the highest levels of relationship satisfaction only for informational support. For nurturant support (i.e., emotional, esteem, network support), a certain degree of support surplus corresponded with the highest level of relationship satisfaction, demonstrating an “optimal surpluses” phenomenon. Additionally, relationship satisfaction was higher when received and desired support from parents matched at a higher than at a lower level.

Keywords

Emerging adulthood parent–child relationship polynomial regression response surface modeling social support support gaps

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