How Parental Confirmation Is Associated with Family Quality: Applying the Theory of Resilience and Relational Load to Parent-Young Adult Child Relationships

Utilizing confirmation theory and the theory of resilience and relational load (TRRL), this study evaluated mediators of the association between parental confirmation behaviors and young adults’ perceptions of family quality. Young adults (N = 273) were surveyed about their family of origin. Resilience and relational load served as significant mediators. This pattern was qualified by resilience also functioning as a moderator; young adults high in resilience can benefit directly from parental confirmation whereas those low in resilience can experience greater family quality due to diminished relational load. Results extend confirmation theory by identifying TRRL processes that can partially account for parent-child confirmation.