As the population ages, individuals and society face increasing demands. Families, in particular, have encountered new challenges over the past 50 years. The Adult Family Research team examines relationships between parents and offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, married couples and their in-laws, and many other social ties involving friends, acquaintances, and other family members. In the modern world, few relationships are obligatory; adults are free to choose their social partners. As such, emotional qualities of relationships play an important role in the maintenance of social ties. Our research team has been examining the positive and negative emotional qualities of relationships as individuals grow older.

This site provides an overview of the research projects, opportunities, and people involved in the Adult Family Research team.

The Adult Family Research team is situated in the Department of Child Development and Family Studies at Purdue University . We also retain affiliations with the Center for Aging and the Life Course at Purdue University .