“I expected to feel sad and I did initially… But then after a while it was just normal.”: Parents’ Psychological Adjustment During Their Child’s Transition to College

• Tyshine Sutton, Human Relations Administration, University of Delaware

• Sara Goldstein, Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware
• Kate Riera, Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware

Although the transition to college is viewed as an important milestone for students, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for parents. As children begin building independent lives, parents must adjust to changes in their everyday roles, responsibilities, and relationships. Previous research has examined topics such as parental involvement and student adjustment; however, less attention has been given to parents’ psychological experiences as they navigate this life change. This project explores how parents emotionally and psychologically adjust as their child begins college. The guiding research question asks: How do parents psychologically adjust during their child’s transition to college while balancing support and independence? Drawing on literature related to family relationships, emerging adulthood, and parent adjustment, this study seeks to better understand how parents experience this transition and what factors shape their adjustment.

Using qualitative interview data from Project LAUNCH (Launching Adolescents and Understanding College Health), this study focuses on parents’ personal perspectives as their children enter their first year of college. An examination of semi-structured interviews through thematic coding highlighted patterns in how parents navigated emotional adjustments, shifted into new roles, sustained connections, addressed concerns for their child’s well-being, and supported their child’s growing independence while remaining a supportive presence. By focusing on parents’ lived experiences, this project aims to deepen our understanding of an often-overlooked aspect of the college transition. The findings provide insight for families, colleges and universities, and mental health professionals seeking to better support parents as they navigate this important stage of family life.