Going No Contact: Intergenerational Estrangement between Mothers and Their Adult Children

Intergenerational estrangement between mothers and their adult children is a growing yet underexamined issue in social work practice and research. Our research study employs Ecological Systems and Risk and Resilience Theories to examine how individual, relational, and societal dynamics contribute to estrangement and influence maternal well-being. Disruptions within the microsystem, stressors in the meso- and exo-systems, and broader cultural and structural influences at the macro- and chrono-system levels are analyzed alongside protective factors that foster resilience. Implications for social work include trauma-informed care, culturally responsive interventions, and policy advocacy to support mothers navigating complex ambiguous loss. The methods used to explore this increasingly prevalent issue include a systematic literature review and pilot study. The literature review focuses on synthesizing existing research to highlight gaps in the social service system. The pilot study utilizes a review of data from a significant community agency serving older adults. This research intends to uncover patterns and potential consequences for the elder care system. The exploration of gaps in policy allows human service professionals to create recommendations for legislation, advocate for reform, and influence the development of new programs to address these gaps. By examining the intersection of parental estrangement and aging, the research will highlight how legislative frameworks can be altered to provide greater support and access to care for older adults, bridging the gap between direct social work practice and policy.