Effects of peer relationships on parent–youth relationships and self-differentiation

We aimed to explore how romantic relationship status affects the moderating effect of peer relationships on associations between parent–youth relationships and Self-differentiation. Chinese college students (N=389) completed measures to assess the Self-differentiation, parent–youth relationships, peer relationships, and romantic relationships. Results revealed that the interaction effect between peer discord and father–youth discord was not significant for romantically involved participants (γ=0.22, SE=0.02, p=0.13), while the interaction effect between peer discord and father–youth discord was significant for single participants (γ=0.20, SE=0.01, p<0.05). In other words, the protective effect of peer relationships on the associations between parent–youth relationships and differentiation of self was effective only for single participants. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.