As much as we love our parents, it's probably fair to say most of us would prefer not to move back in once we've left home.

But more than seven million Britons - dubbed the 'doomerangers' - have been forced to do exactly that after a break-up because they can't afford to live on their own, a survey found.

And unlike the 'boomerang generation', who return to the family home not long after flying the nest, the 'doomerangers' are fully grown adults, often with spouses and children.

More than seven million Britons have been forced to move back home after a break-up because they can't afford to live on their own

Research revealed men are more likely to go through the humbling experience of becoming a 'doomeranger'

In fact, according to the survey of 505 people who had moved back with their parents, a quarter had done so following a bad break-up, saying they needed distance or independence from their ex-partner.

The research revealed men are more likely to go through the humbling experience of becoming a 'doomeranger' after a divorce or separation.

By contrast, women are more likely to keep the house, particularly if children are involved.

And no matter how much we would like to be independent, rising rent and mortgage costs mean many of us are left with no choice but to return, however reluctantly, to the family nest.

On average, 'doomerangers' - who make up 14 per cent of the adult population - spend six months living with their parents, according to the survey for Churchill Insurance.

Financial pressure is the main reason for returning to the family nest, with 55 per cent saying this forced them back home.

Women are more likely to keep the house, particularly if children are involved, following a break-up

These pressures can vary from sky-high rents to needing to save up to buy a property, or pay off debts. But almost four in ten said they wanted emotional support, and 13 per cent said they needed help with childcare.

Meanwhile, teenagers who leave home are now a rarity - only one in ten boys and one in eight girls strike out on their own.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: 'A separation or divorce is an emotionally traumatic experience and sometimes parents are exactly what we need to help us get through these difficult periods in our lives.

'The additional financial strain of having to keep separate properties often means it's easier to move in with family, rather than try and find somewhere else to live.'