Multi-generational adaptation: the case of Portuguese transnational kinship dynamics

Amid rising challenges to care and well-being in an increasingly uncertain world, where intergenerational support is more vital than ever, understanding resilience as a dynamic adaptation process within transnational families has become crucial. Taking into account the three key resources for resilience—personal traits, family networks (connections with family members across generations), and extra-family networks (relationships with communities, colleagues, and friends)—the literature emphasises the need for a psychosocial perspective. Focusing solely on individual adaptive capacity is limiting, as it overlooks the broader context that offers opportunities for meaning-making and growth throughout life. Thus, it is essential to approach migration from a broad perspective to ensure the well-being of all members involved. The present research explores how psychosocial adjustment and well-being unfold within Portuguese transnational families, with a particular focus on young emigrants and the older generations who remain in Portugal. This understanding is achieved by: (1) identifying the key challenges these individuals face, and (2) examining the primary resources that support their resilience. This qualitative research study, based on members of Portuguese transnational families (N=42), focuses on two groups: (a) young adult children who have emigrated to Europe (n=22), and (b) parental figures remaining in Portugal with adult children abroad (n=20). The study examines how various familial and extra-familial resources contribute to adaptation and resilience, and how these factors promote well-being. Results indicate that digital tools can enhance the integration between the two generations, highlighting the need to reframe the relationship between face-to-face and digital interactions. Additionally, the immediate social context plays a crucial role in supporting both the young adults abroad and the parental figures in Portugal, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster social well-being, which, in turn, positively impacts individual well-being.