Intergenerational Estrangement in Germany: Same‐Gender Relationships Predict Reduced Closeness to Fathers but Not Mothers

ABSTRACT Objective To examine whether same‐gender relationship (SGR) status predicts intergenerational estrangement, operationalized as emotional closeness as well as physical contact to parents, in Germany. Background The relationship to the family of origin can be a source of support or stress. It is important to understand how this relationship differs depending on whether a person is in an SGR. This can help identify problematic patterns and develop interventions tailored to the needs of this population. Method Analyses were based on 11 annual waves of the nationally representative German Family Panel (“pairfam”). A total of N = 12,926 participants ( N = 122,036 observations) were included, with n = 237 participants reporting at least one SGR in their lifetime ( n = 174 at the time of the interviews). Hypotheses regarding between and within person effects were tested using multilevel multivariate models. Results Participants who reported being in an SGR at least once in their lifetime or in proportionally more waves were less close to their fathers. The closeness to mothers was not related to participants' SGR status. Conclusion Intergenerational relationships for people in SGRs are similar to those of the general German population. The differences that do exist mainly relate to a less close father‐child relationship whereas relationships of mothers with their children appear to be more robust.