Two-hundred-twenty-one matched pairs of post-adolescent females (Mean
age = 20.2) and their mothers (Mean age = 46.5) participated in a stud
y to examine the relational perceptions of mother-daughter attachments
by evaluating their perceptions of reported autonomy, intimacy confli
ct, self-esteem and quality of relationship. Results indicated that mo
thers and daughters differed significantly on one measure of autonomy
(Family of Origin Scale) and conflict (Mother-Daughter Conflict Scale)
. No differences between mothers and daughters were found for measures
of attachment, intimacy and self-esteem. Findings suggest close attac
hments yet differences reflective of individuation.