1st Student's Major
Psychology
1st Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Students' Professional Biography
Ashley Bruehlman presented this research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in Spring 2022 and won an outstanding oral presentation award. Ashley graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Spring 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Family Consumer Science. Ashley is currently a graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy at Edgewood College.
Mentor's Name
Dan Moen
Mentor's Email Address
daniel.moen-1@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Family Consumer Science
Mentor's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Abstract
Parents and young adults share an important and interdependent relationship that. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study examined the systemic impact of a brief solution-focused activity to promote empathy within parent/young adult relationships (paired, n = 73). Baseline well-being and empathy scores were recorded on 5-point Likert scales. Quantitative findings highlight above average well-being scores for parents and young adults. Researchers found a significant correlation between parent and young adult well-being and empathy scores suggesting an interdependent relationship. Additionally, researchers found a significant linear correlation for parent and young adult well-being scores as predictive of empathy scores. Qualitative findings from the brief solution-focused activity provided key insights into solution-oriented ideas collaboratively constructed by parents and young adults. Parents and young adults are seeking more togetherness, communication, and laughter in their relationships. Parents and young adults reported feeling the most connected when their family were able to laugh together. Findings from this study may have practical implications for family life educators (CFLE), clinicians, and family advocacy efforts, showing where preventative and therapeutic efforts may be best channeled. Additionally, this study seeks to update and inform current and future studies.
Recommended Citation
Bruehlman, Ashley
(2022)
"Together: Exploring a Solution-Focused Activity for Parent and Young Adult Relationships,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato: Vol. 22, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56816/2378-6949.1223
Available at:
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/jur/vol22/iss1/4
Creative Commons License
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