Close but Not Too Close? A Qualitative Study of How U.S. Emerging Adults Describe Their Cousin Relationships

Research has provided evidence of the protective characteristics of extended family for U.S. emerging adults, but no research has specifically explored cousin relationships. The current study fills this gap by analyzing qualitative data collected from 192 U.S. 18–29-year-old adults (M age = 25.6 years). As this topic is relatively unexplored, examining qualitative data provides scope and vocabulary for further exploration. Participants completed an online survey asking them to describe interactions with extended family, identifying 561 cousins (M age = 28.2 years). A thematic analysis based on the process defined by Braun and Clark generated four primary themes: (1) emerging adults feel varying degrees of closeness and distance with their cousins, (2) relational maintenance with cousins is both planned and incidental, (3) family membership provides resources, and (4) cousins share the same generational position. These results describe important characteristics of the cousin relationship, including moments of unexpected closeness and shared experience of family. The findings also highlight the relevance of sharing a similar life stage within the same family system. Practitioners can utilize findings to help clients identify extended family members that can be tapped for bonding and support.