Date
5-20-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Ralph Ogburn
Keywords
intergenerational estrangement, interpersonal relationships, social support, feminist theory, family systems theory
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Clark, Keisha Delores, "Perceptions of Conflict and Interpersonal Relationship Quality Among Adult Daughters Estranged from Their Mothers" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8493.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8493
Abstract
This qualitative descriptive study explored how maternal estrangement shapes women's interpersonal relationships through feminist theory, family systems theory, and a Christian worldview. Previous research has linked estrangement to both negative and positive psychological and social outcomes. While many estranged adults report separation from their parents as beneficial, some studies indicate that estranged individuals experience difficulty developing quality interpersonal relationships and demonstrate a heightened vulnerability to dysfunctional relationship dynamics. This study examined the experiences of 20 women with maternal estrangement, focusing on how estranged status shaped perceived relationship quality with friends and romantic partners, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in relational behaviors. Analysis revealed themes that addressed the research questions related to relational functioning, conflict management, loss of maternal support, and relational identity. Participants described relationships characterized by emotional guardedness, low reciprocity, and conflict withdrawal. The findings also reflected how estranged women navigated both self-protection and vulnerability in relationships, along with how they compensated for the loss of maternal support. The findings suggest that maternal estrangement significantly shapes relational dynamics and influences how adult daughters navigate trust, emotional vulnerability, and conflict. This study expands the understanding of estrangement beyond the parent-child relationship and highlights implications for relational skill development and supportive social networks formation.
