How Does Parental Separation Erode the Family Networks of Young Adults?

Parental separation is emotionally challenging and may deprive children of regular parental support. Yet, the consequences of parental separation extend far beyond the parent-child relationship into the entire extended family network surrounding it. In the absence of suitable family network data, little is known about such consequences. Moreover, our understanding of the extent of this disruption along maternal versus paternal lines, the timing of separation, parental re-partnering, and the post-separation bond between fathers and children remains limited. Utilizing the novel KINMATRIX dataset from 2022 and 2023, which captures family networks among young adults aged 25 to 35 in the United States in unprecedented scope and detail, this study employed OLS and linear probability models to examine outcomes related to contact frequency, emotional closeness, reliance on kin, and the perceived importance of extended kin. The analyses revealed three main findings. First, relations with the extended kin are disrupted for children of separated families, with stronger rifts in the paternal compared to maternal extended kin. Second, children of earlier separation rely less on paternal extended uncles and aunts compared to children from later separations. Third, the retention of stronger bonds between fathers and children post-separation prevents the erosion of relations with paternal relatives. Our study has important implications for policy interventions. Although separated families face greater disadvantages due to the erosion of their family networks, family relationships do not appear to be any less important to them. In fact, because these relationships remain significant, maintaining them likely requires even more work and effort to compensate for disruptions and to prevent negative effects on both the nuclear family and the extended network. Therefore, children of separated families might benefit from opportunities that enable them and their parents to invest more in family relationships after separation.