Abstract
The aim of the present study is to classify the different types of independence for university students and investigate the characteristics of each independence type in relation to family situations, psychological adaptation and views on adulthood. Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 736 university students (352 men and 384 women). The survey ascertained "independence scale," family situations, psychological adaptation (life satisfaction, anxiety for the future, and self-esteem) and views on adulthood. Results: (1) The results of cluster analysis of the "independence scale" classified independence for university students into the following four types: "total independence," "low independence," "high independence of daily life skills," and "dependent on parents." (2) Among the university students in the present study, "dependent on parents" was most common. "Low independence" was common for male students, while "dependent on parents" was common for female students. (3) A close correlation was seen between the four independence types and family situation, including parent's economic situation, and this appears to impact the psychological adaptation of university students. Also, there were differences in views on adulthood among the independence types.
