According to the more detailed report [1] the questions and answers were:

Q2630. Do you currently consider yourself financially independent?

Yes: 72% No: 28%

Q2634. How financially independent do you currently feel from your parents (meaning you could support yourself without them if needed)?

Fully independent: 44% Mostly independent: 17% Somewhat dependent: 17% Fully dependent: 8% Not applicable: 14%

Then they report 17+17+8=42 = "42% of adults rely on their parents for financial support"

[1] https://news.northwesternmutual.com/download/2026+P%26P+Mark...