A Latent Profile Analysis of Estranged Adult Children's Attributions

Using the attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion, this study explored the extent to which adult children attribute multiple causes to estrangement and whether those attributions relate to their stress and the likelihood of reconciling with their parent(s). The present study surveyed 374 estranged adult children. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles based on the adult children's attributions. In particular, estranged adult children in the all attributions profile were more likely to perceive the estrangement to be stressful and reconcile with their parent(s) than those in the no or few attributions profiles These findings are discussed in relevant literatures.