The estrangement between parents and their adult children is a complex and multifaceted issue that can be difficult to measure accurately. However, some studies have provided estimates of the prevalence of estrangement.
According to a 2015 UK charity Stand Alone survey, 7% of British adults reported being estranged from a family member. This included parents, siblings, and other relatives. Among the respondents who reported being estranged, more than half said they were not in contact with their parent(s).
In a 2020 survey of 2,000 Americans by the University of Michigan, 27% of respondents reported having experienced estrangement from a family member at some point in their life. Of those who reported being estranged, 51% said they were estranged from a parent.
It’s worth noting that these statistics are self-reported and may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, the reasons for estrangement can vary widely and may be influenced by factors such as family dynamics, life events, mental health issues, and cultural or societal norms.