Adult (step) parent-child relationships in complex families: a latent profile analysis

This study identifies a typology of adult stepparent-child and biological parent–child relationships by studying the structures in which relationship dimensions – affection, contact, support, conflict combine, building on intergenerational solidarity paradigm. The existing literature family complexity, has analysed one-dimensionally, exclusively considered positive dimensions, requires more integrated approach to describe diverse landscape (step)parent–child relationships. Using OKiN anchor data, based stratified random sample Dutch adults (aged 25–45), this simultaneously closeness, (N = 3,896) 9,467), using latent profile analysis (LPA). These data provided adults’ reports up four their (step)parents. LPA revealed profiles among as well dyads: harmonious, ambivalent, detached, conflictual. One profile, disharmonious, was unique for step-dyads. Although distribution over these differs between step-dyads dyads, it seems strongly differentiated parental separation, co-residential history, gender. reveals multi-dimensional diversity that lies beneath comparison averages single relationships, calls nuance ties.