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Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
The number of young adults still living with their parents has increased significantly in recent years, according to a study by the Abbé Pierre Foundation published on May 16. How can we explain this trend and what are its consequences? Doctissimo interviewed psychologist Amélie Boukhobza to better understand the phenomenon.
Between 2013 and 2020, the number of young adults living with their parents increased by 250,000, bringing the figure from 4.67 million to 4.92 million. The observation is made by the Abbé Pierre Foundation, which published a study on this phenomenon on May 16.
Mostly young people aged 18 to 24
In detail, the study shows that it is young people aged 18 to 24 who are most represented in this work, with +13.5% of them having not been able to leave the nest. But the 25-34 age group is also on the rise (+3.6%). On the other hand, those over 35 are decreasing (-19.5%).
Another interesting point demonstrated by this work: more men than women continue to live in the parental home, with 2.8 million compared to 2.1 million. “At age 30, 3% of women live with their parents compared to 13% of men, a difference of 1 to 4″, specifies the Abbé Pierre Foundation. Two reasons explain this observation: the earlier formation of women and their level of education, which pushes them more often to leave the family home at a younger age.
The housing crisis in France accentuates the phenomenon
The housing crisis in France is no stranger to this trend… Moreover, it is not only students who continue to live with their parents. 1.3 million young employees have not left the nest, which “may reflect wages that are too low and rent levels that are too high or social housing that is too rare to be able to live apart.” still estimate the authors of the study.
A situation which can be explained by different factors
Questioned, psychologist Amélie Boukhobza recalls that the situation can be explained by different factors. “Of course the economic factor comes into play, but we must not forget the psychological and societal factors.”
For our expert, the most obvious obstacle is economic. “Job insecurity and stagnant wages in the face of increasing living costs, particularly the cost of housing, make it difficult for many young people to access the financial independence necessary to leave the parental home.. Consequently, this “will create a delay in the achievement of certain key stages of adult life“.
What are the consequences ?
“This will often result in a series of psychological impacts: decreased self-esteem and the feeling of personal efficacy, that is to say the confidence in one’s ability to influence the events of one’s life“warns the expert.”Young people may feel stagnant, which can lead to feelings of frustration or discouragement“.
Of course, living longer with your parents can also complicate romantic relationships and forming a couple. “Cohabitation with parents can limit private life and delay cohabitation as a couple or marriage“ confirms Amélie Boukhobza.
Think more about yourself, safe in the family cocoon
But not everything is negative in this situation. “From a societal and sociological point of view, the family context has changed and it is much freer than before. The role of the child has evolved considerably; today it has become very privileged. Links are more flexible and family housing tends to be a place of openness, protection from which we are much less in a hurry to leave… a real cocoon, in short, which promotes freedom and individuality. adds the expert.
“This allows you to take care of your career and find a job that meets your requirements and this often comes, for the new generation, before the project of creating your own family.” she concludes.