Predictive Factors of Parental Closeness in College Students

This study examines demographic variables in an attempt to discern whether class year, gender, race, and socioeconomic status have an impact on parental closeness and support in college students. Using data from an original survey of Colgate sophomores and seniors, this study shows that gender of parent and socioeconomic status are salient factors in parental closeness. Students are more likely to be closer to their mothers than their fathers, and students of higher socioeconomic status report feeling closer to both parents as well as receiving higher levels of emotional, financial and networking support from their parents.