[Contact and emotional relations between married children and their parents]

In a two-stage project we investigated the dimensions of the emotional relationship between married children and their parents, as well as the connection with different areas of interaction. Both generations classify their relationship as positive and close, basically formed by trust and understanding. Dependencies do not impair the core of the relationship. Frequent contact indicates a good relationship, if not solely motivated by help. The frequency of help rendered gives only little evidence about the quality of the relation; also barely significant is absence of divergent viewpoints or the exchange of caresses. More significantly, open communication, requests for help, positive reaction to caresses, and voluntary contact point to a positive relation.