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Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology
2026. Vol. 15, no. 1, 17–26
doi:10.17759/jmfp.2026150102
ISSN: 2304-4977 (online)

Characteristics of psychological separation of youth from parents

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. Psychological separation-individuation of youth from parents is no longer perceived as a universal, linear process of «detachment». Instead, it is increasingly understood as a culturally variable and technologically mediated phenomenon in which autonomy and connectedness are interrelated rather than mutually exclusive. Objective. To conduct an analytical review of international research from the past decade in order to reconstruct the evolution of theoretical models of separation and identify current trends in the study of this process. Hypothesis. Contemporary international research is progressively moving away from a Western-centric model of separation toward conceptualizing it as a «hybrid» process, wherein digital communication and cultural traditions (individualistic vs. collectivistic) shape the specific pathways of maturation and psychological maturity. Methods and materials. Theoretical analysis and systematic synthesis of scholarly publications from 2015 to 2025 reflecting the development of separation-individuation concepts in international psychology. Results. The classical structural model of separation retains methodological relevance; however, its interpretation is being transformed under the influence of the digital environment («hybrid separation») and cross-cultural findings («integrative individuation» in Eastern cultures). Dysfunctional or disharmonious separation has been found to correlate with difficulties in establishing intimate partnerships, intergenerational conflicts, and reduced professional self-actualization. Conclusions. Effective study and support of the separation process require consideration of a complex set of socio-psychological factors, including cultural context, the quality of parent-child relationships, the family’s level of digital engagement, and individual personality characteristics. This is particularly crucial for developing culturally adapted diagnostic tools and psychological counseling practices.

 

General Information

Keywords: psychological separation, parent-child relationships, autonomy, individuation, youth, maturation

Journal rubric: Social Psychology

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2026150102

Received 22.01.2025

Revised 05.10.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Nesterova, A.A., Kosolapova, A.V. (2026). Characteristics of psychological separation of youth from parents. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 15(1), 17–26. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2026150102

© Nesterova A.A., Kosolapova A.V., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Albina A. Nesterova, Doctor of Psychology, Professor, Professor of the Department of Social and Pedagogical Psychology, State University of Education, Mytishchi, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7830-9337, e-mail: anesterova77@rambler.ru

Anastasia V. Kosolapova, Postgraduate student, Department of Social and Pedagogical Psychology, State University of Education, senior lecturer at the Department of Modern Languages and Communication, University of Science and Technology MISIS, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5952-8726, e-mail: avkosolapova@mail.ru

Contribution of the authors

Albina A. Nesterova — ideas; writing and design of the manuscript; conclusions and generalization.
Anastasia V. Kosolapova — search for scientific literature; selection and analysis of sources; work with foreign scientific databases; translation of English-language sources.
All authors participated in the discussion of the results and approved the final text of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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