Effects of Family Business Membership and Psychological Separation on the Career Development of Late Adolescents

Abstract

Family businesses are reported to consist of overinvolved family relationships. Overinvolvement often leads to conflict when late adolescents attempt to develop their own identity, separate from the home, and choose an occupation. This study examines differences between family-and non-family-business offspring in relation to psychological overinvolvement, and career choice and development. Analyses of assessments completed by 248 undergraduate college students does not support the belief that family business members are overinvolved with each other, but does suggest implications for the career development of family business offspring.