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Birditt KS, Newton NJ, Turkelson A, Polenick CA, Zhou Z, Fingerman KL. Daily Rumination Among Older Men and Women: The Role of Perceived Family and Nonfamily Social Partner Life Stress. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae027. [PMID: 38430639 PMCID: PMC11003536 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women tend to ruminate more than men, and are generally more hypervigilant to the emotions of others in order to maintain positive social ties. Thus, compared to men, women may ruminate more when their social partners have greater life stresses. However, the literature on stressful events typically focuses on individuals' experiences and perceptions of stressors experienced by specific social ties such as spousal partners and adult children. The purpose of this study was to examine links between perceptions of a broad array of family and nonfamily social partner stresses and daily rumination among older men and women. METHODS Adults aged 65 and older (N = 293, 55% women) completed baseline assessments of family and nonfamily life stressors and 5-6 consecutive nightly assessments regarding rumination, interpersonal tensions, worries, and support provision. RESULTS Multilevel structural equation models revealed that perceptions of greater family and nonfamily life stressors were associated with greater rumination. The links between family stress and rumination varied by gender: family stress was related to greater rumination among women and not men. Moreover, among women, family and nonfamily stress-rumination links were accounted for by greater daily worries about others, and among men, the nonfamily stress-rumination link was due to greater interpersonal tensions as well as daily worries. DISCUSSION These findings may be due in part to gender role socialization and women's greater kin-keeping and investment in family ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicky J Newton
- Psychology Department, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela Turkelson
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Zexi Zhou
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Abstract
This article explores the role of cognitive transformations in the process of desistance from crime. Based on our own and others' subsequent research, clearly, some aspects of our initial theorizing warrant revisiting and adjustment. The discussion describes changes to ideas about the sequencing of various types of cognitive shifts, suggests the importance of emotional processes in tandem with changes in perspective, and highlights the need to move out of the comfort zone of crime itself when thinking about redefinitions that support desistance. Yet, a consistent notion remains that social and broader structural factors are deeply implicated-directly and indirectly-in all aspects of the change process. This includes the important area of "derailments" from a pattern of forward progress, where additional processual research is needed. The discussion concludes with the argument that individualistic policies and programs centered on cognitive deficits requiring correction are likely to be limited in their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy C. Giordano
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic ResearchBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
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Weber J, Angerer P, Apolinário-Hagen J. Physiological reactions to acute stressors and subjective stress during daily life: A systematic review on ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271996. [PMID: 35895674 PMCID: PMC9328558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide an overview of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies analyzing stress reactivity during daily life in terms of direct and moderated influence of acute stress on physiological responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on November 29, 2021 using Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycINFO to identify prospective EMA studies targeting acute stressors or stress under naturalistic conditions, without restrictions of publication date or population. Study quality was assessed for multiple EMA-specific sources of bias. RESULTS Out of 4285 non-duplicate records, 107 publications involving 104 unique studies were included. The majority of studies assessed acute physiological stress responses primarily through salivary cortisol (n = 59) and cardiovascular outcomes (n = 32). Most studies performed at least three measurements per day (n = 59), and had a moderate risk of recall bias (n = 68) and confounding (n = 85). Fifty-four studies reported a compliance of ≥80%. Direct, non-moderated positive associations were observed between acute stress exposure and concurrent cortisol levels (44%, n = 11/25), systolic (44%, 8/18) and diastolic blood pressure (53%, 8/15) and heart rate (53%, 9/17). Several inter- and intra-individual moderators were identified, such as age, gender, health status, chronic stress, work-related resources, physical activity and stress coping indicators. CONCLUSIONS About half of the reviewed EMA studies demonstrated direct associations between everyday acute stress exposure and physiological responses, including increased cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Results further suggested various moderator variables that could help develop tailored prevention strategies and identify groups at higher risk for dysfunctional stress responses. REGISTRATION PROSPERO-Reg.-No.: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020163178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Weber
- Institute of Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute of Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jennifer Apolinário-Hagen
- Institute of Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kincaid R, Rurka M, Suitor JJ, Gilligan M, Pillemer K, Mohebbi L, Mundell N. Prodigal Children: Why Older Mothers Favor Their Once-Deviant Adult Children. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:1325-1335. [PMID: 33912909 PMCID: PMC9255942 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Past research suggests that adult children who reform their deviant behaviors (i.e., problems with drugs/alcohol or the law) are more likely to become favored by their mothers, yet the reasons underlying this phenomenon are unclear. This study employs a longitudinal, qualitative approach to explore why adult children's behavioral reforms shape changes in maternal favoritism. METHOD Analyses are based on qualitative interview data collected at 2 points 7 years apart from older mothers regarding their adult children in 20 families. Each of these families had a "prodigal child"-a child for whom desistance from deviant behaviors between the 2 waves was accompanied by newfound maternal favoritism. RESULTS Findings revealed 2 conditions under which mothers came to favor reformed deviants over their siblings. First, this occurred when adult children's behavioral reformations were accompanied by mothers' perceptions of these children as having grown more family-oriented. Second, this occurred when mothers came to see reformed deviants as exhibiting a stronger need and appreciation for maternal support, relative to their siblings. DISCUSSION Mothers' perceptions of children's behavioral reformations as being accompanied by greater dedication to family or reflecting a need for their mothers' support offer 2 explanations for why previously deviant adult children may become mothers' favored offspring. These findings contribute to a growing body of scholarship on the complexity of intergenerational relations by shedding new light on changing patterns of favoritism in families with a history of parental disappointment, conflict, and strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly Kincaid
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Marissa Rurka
- Department of Sociology and Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology and Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, USA
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Liam Mohebbi
- John Marshall Law School, Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicholas Mundell
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA
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Tighe LA, Birditt KS, Turkelson AE, Sastry N. Under my skin: Parenting behavior and children's cortisol in the Los Angeles family and neighborhood survey. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22263. [PMID: 35452548 PMCID: PMC9038030 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study examined links between aspects of parenting behavior and children's cortisol and whether those links varied by child behavioral problems and ethnicity. Participants included children ages 9-15 (N = 159, 75% Latinx) and their primary caregivers from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (L.A.FANS; Wave 2). Children provided saliva upon waking, 30 min after waking, and at bedtime which was analyzed for cortisol. Analyses revealed associations between parenting behavior and cortisol were greater among children who had behavioral problems and these associations were stronger among non-Latinx White children compared to Latinx children. This study moves beyond the current literature by investigating these important associations in a predominately Latinx urban sample of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Tighe
- Institute for Policy Research Northwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
| | - Kira S. Birditt
- Institute for Social Research University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| | | | - Narayan Sastry
- Institute for Social Research University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
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Wang H, Kim K, Burr JA, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Adult Children's Daily Experiences With Parental Advice: The Importance of Life Problems and Relationship Quality. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:1745-1755. [PMID: 33001209 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parents often provide advice to their adult children during their everyday interactions. This study investigated young adult children's daily experiences with parental advice in U.S. families. Specifically, the study examined how receiving advice and evaluations of parental advice were associated with children's life problems, parent-child relationship quality, and daily mood. METHODS Young adult children (aged 18-30 years; participant N = 152) reported whether they received any advice and perceived any unwanted advice from each parent (parent N = 235) for 7 days using a daily diary design (participant-day N = 948). Adult children also reported their positive and negative mood on each interview day. RESULTS Results from multilevel models revealed that adult children who reported a more positive relationship with their parents were more likely to receive advice from the parent, whereas adult children who had a more strained relationship with their parents were more likely to perceive advice from the parent as unwanted. Receiving advice from the mother was associated with increased positive mood, whereas unwanted advice from any parent was associated with increased negative mood. Furthermore, the link between unwanted advice and negative mood varied by children's life problems and parent-child relationship quality. DISCUSSION Indeed, parental advice is not "the more the better," especially when the advice is unsolicited. This study highlights the importance of perceptions of family support for emerging adults' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Wang
- Population Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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Kim YK, Kim K, Fingerman KL, Umberson DJ. Racial Differences in Early Parental Death, Midlife Life Problems, and Relationship Strain With Adult Children. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:1617-1628. [PMID: 33388759 PMCID: PMC8436672 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Black Americans typically experience the death of a parent earlier in the life course than do non-Hispanic Whites, and early parental death is known to hinder subsequent relationship outcomes. Whether early parental death may contribute to racial differences in midlife family relationships and the role midlife adults' current life problems play remain unexplored. METHOD Using multilevel modeling, we examined how timing of parental death is associated with relationship strain with adult children and whether the association differs by midlife adults' life problems in Black (n = 166) and non-Hispanic White (n = 467) families from the Family Exchanges Study. RESULTS Losing a parent in childhood was associated with more relationship strain with adult children for Black midlife adults, but not for their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Among the bereaved, earlier timing of parental death was associated with more relationship strain with adult children only for Black midlife adults. In both bereaved and nonbereaved sample, participants' recent physical-emotional problems exacerbated the link between timing of parental death and relationship strain with adult children for Black midlife adults. DISCUSSION Experiencing the death of a parent in the early life course can be an added structural disadvantage that imposes unique challenges for Black Americans in midlife. Policies and programs aimed at supporting bereaved children may benefit relationships with their own children later in life, and addressing physical-emotional problems in midlife may be a viable intervention point for those midlife adults who experienced the death of a parent in the early life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijung K Kim
- Texas Aging & Longevity Center, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Debra J Umberson
- Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
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Polenick CA, Birditt KS, Turkelson A, Perbix EA, Salwi SM, Zarit SH. Daily Social Interactions and HPA Axis Activity Among Midlife and Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:897-906. [PMID: 33367791 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older people experience fewer negative interactions and report less stress in response to interpersonal tensions. Less is known, however, about the implications of daily social interactions for biological stress responses. We evaluated links between daily positive and negative interactions and 2 key biomeasures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). We also considered the moderating effects of age. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants included a random sample of 93 individuals aged 40-95 who completed 14 days of daily diary interviews and provided saliva samples during 4 of those days. RESULTS Three-level piecewise models showed that individuals had higher sustained DHEA-S levels on days after reporting more positive interactions. Young-old adults (60-79) had lower overall DHEA-S on days when they had more negative interactions than oldest-old adults (80 and older). Oldest-old adults showed a flatter decline in DHEA-S on days after they reported more negative interactions compared to midlife adults (40-59). Daily social interactions were not significantly associated with cortisol. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Strategies to increase positive interactions may help to build physiological resilience to stress, particularly among midlife and young-old adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Angela Turkelson
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Emily A Perbix
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Shreya M Salwi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
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Sloan CJ, Mailick MR, Hong J, Ha JH, Greenberg JS, Almeida DM. Longitudinal changes in well-being of parents of individuals with developmental or mental health problems. Soc Sci Med 2020; 264:113309. [PMID: 32858491 PMCID: PMC7441882 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A large body of work demonstrates the impact of caregiving burden on the well-being of parents of individuals with developmental conditions or mental health problems. However, a relative dearth of research examines this impact longitudinally into parents' older age. Objective. The current study examines (1) longitudinal changes in the effect of having a child with a developmental or mental health problem on parental negative affect, psychological well-being, and somatic symptoms, (2) age and gender moderations on these effects, and (3) the unique impact of factors related to the child's condition. Method. This study employs hierarchical linear regression models to examine longitudinal survey data from midlife adults (N = 1,101) from two waves of the National Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS). Results. Models revealed some evidence for age attenuation of the impact of caregiving stress. Parents of children with developmental problems still had higher negative affect, poorer psychological well-being, and more somatic symptoms on average than parents in a comparison sample, whereas parents of children with mental health problems only showed evidence of higher negative affect compared to this sample. Within-group analyses also revealed differences between each parenting group into later adulthood. Conclusions. Parents of individuals with developmental or mental health problems may be at risk for poorer well-being late in life. Yet, age and gender differences as well as diagnostic group differences nuance these findings. Non-normative parenting poses a risk for parental well-being. Parents' elevated negative affect persisted over time, into later adulthood. For some parents, health consequences attenuated with age. Older parental age was protective for well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlie J Sloan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, 335 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Marsha R Mailick
- Waisman Center, University of Wiconsin - Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jinkuk Hong
- Waisman Center, University of Wiconsin - Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jung-Hwa Ha
- Department of Social Welfare, Seoul National University, 1 Kwanak-ro, Kwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jan S Greenberg
- Waisman Center, University of Wiconsin - Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David M Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, 335 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Wang H, Kim K, Burr JA, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Middle-aged adults' daily sleep and worries about aging parents and adult children. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2020; 34:621-629. [PMID: 32052985 PMCID: PMC10409606 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sleep is a fundamental health behavior that has profound implications for an individual's well-being. Worry has been recognized as a major cause of sleep problems, but it remains unclear how middle-aged adults' worries about their adult children and aging parents are associated with their sleep on a daily basis. Middle-aged adults (N = 191; Mage = 55.93) were interviewed for 7 consecutive days (Nday = 1,261). Participants reported on the time they went to bed, the time they woke up, and the quality of sleep on each interview day. Daily interviews also assessed participants' worries about each adult child (n = 454) and each aging parent (n = 253). Multilevel models showed that middle-aged adults' prior day's worries about adult children were associated with poorer sleep quality that night. After they experienced a good night's sleep, middle-aged adults were less likely to worry about their parents. Findings suggest a daily link between worries about family members and sleep among middle-aged adults. Worries about family members are associated with poorer sleep quality at night; poorer sleep quality is related to an increased risk of worrying about family members on the subsequent day. Our findings suggest the development and implementation of interventions to promote sleep health in multigenerational families is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Huo M, Fuentecilla JL, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Does Empathy Have a Cost? Older Adults and Social Partners Experiencing Problems. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:617-627. [PMID: 31152585 PMCID: PMC7228441 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Empathy underlies older adults' awareness and responses to their social partners' needs, but it is unclear whether such awareness is beneficial or harmful to older adults' well-being. We examined whether older adults' empathy was associated with having encounters with social partners incurring problems and their own well-being throughout the day. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants were adults aged more than 65 years from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. These older adults (n = 313) rated empathy and indicated social partners' problems (e.g., health, emotional, and financial problems) in a baseline interview. They also reported encounters with social partners and their mood every 3 hr over 5-6 days. RESULTS Multiple regressions showed that more empathic older adults reported a greater proportion of social partners with major life problems than less empathic older adults. Older adults' empathy was not associated with their contact or negative encounters with social partners experiencing problems. Multilevel models revealed that encounters with these social partners had negative consequences for older adults' mood throughout the day; however, these consequences were reduced in more empathic older adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study emphasizes the importance of empathy in late life and refines our understanding of older adults' social lives and well-being. Findings carry implications for interventions that aim to protect older adults' well-being when their close others incur crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jamie L Fuentecilla
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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Fingerman KL, Huo M, Birditt KS. A Decade of Research on Intergenerational Ties: Technological, Economic, Political, and Demographic Changes. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2020; 82:383-403. [PMID: 38831801 PMCID: PMC11145410 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Due to extended transitions to adulthood and declining marital rates, bonds between adults and parents have grown increasingly salient in individuals' lives. This review organizes research around these topics to address ties between parents and grown children in the context of broader societal changes over the past decade. Literature searches included tables of contents of premier journals (e.g., Journal of Marriage and Family), Psychological Info, and Google Scholar. The literature review revealed patterns of social and intergenerational changes. Technological advances (e.g., introduction of the smart phone) co-occurred with more frequent contact and interdependence between generations. The Great Recession and financial strains altered the nature of many parent/child ties, including increased rates of intergenerational coresidence. Individual life problems such as divorce, addiction, and physical health problems were reflected in complex changes in positive and negative relationship qualities, ambivalence, and intergenerational support. Government policies reflect societal values and in turn, affected the distribution of parents' and grown children's resources. Political disruptions instigated migration, separating generations across large geographic regions. Political disruptions instigated migration, separating generations across large geographic regions. Demographic changes (e.g., constellation of family members, delayed marriage, same sex marriage) were also manifest in ties between adults and parents. Findings were consistent with the Intergenerational Systems in Context Model, which posits that societal transformations co-occur with changes in intergenerational relationships via reciprocal influences.
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Yang J, Zheng Y. Links Between Perceptions of Successes, Problems and Health Outcomes Among Adult Chinese Children: The Mediating Role of Perceptions of Parents' Feelings and Intergenerational Relationships. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2551. [PMID: 31803102 PMCID: PMC6872502 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have focused on adult children's successes and problems and implications for their own well-being, but few studies have paid attention to their implications for adult children's health outcomes. In the present study, we tested the links between perceptions of successes, problems, and their own health outcomes, as well as the mediating role of perceptions of parents' feelings and intergenerational relationships. Adult children (n = 314; age 18-59) completed surveys on perceptions of successes (compared with counterparts, speculated how parents rate their successes, and compared with same-gender parent); problems (self's, father's, and mother's); parents' feelings (positive and negative); intergenerational relationships (intergenerational ambivalence and instrumental solidarity); and health outcomes [subjective well-being (SWB), psychological distress (PD), and self-rated health (SRH)]. Path analysis was conducted, a bootstrapped test was used. Results showed that perceptions of successes compared with counterparts were positively correlated with SWB and SRH; perceptions of successes compared with counterparts and perceptions of successes compared with same-gender parent were positively correlated with SWB and SRH via parents' positive feelings; perceptions of successes that speculated how parents rate their successes and perceptions of successes compared with same-gender parent were negatively correlated with PD via parents' negative feelings. Self's problems were negatively correlated with SWB via direct ambivalence (DA), and were positively correlated with PD via parents' negative feelings and DA, while mother's problems were positively correlated with PD via parents' negative feelings. There were no significant correlations between father's problems and adult children's health outcomes. This study underscores the importance of considering perceptions of parents' feelings and DA in understanding the mechanisms of an individual's mental health in family systems. This study sheds lights on considering an individual's health in family systems and cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Birditt KS, Tighe LA, Nevitt MR, Zarit SH. Daily Social Interactions and the Biological Stress Response: Are There Age Differences in Links Between Social Interactions and Alpha-Amylase? THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 58:1114-1125. [PMID: 29240901 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives According to the strength and vulnerability integration (SAVI) model, older people are better able to avoid negative social interactions than younger people, but when they do experience negative interactions, they are equally or more emotionally and physiologically reactive than younger people. Less is known about the links between daily negative and positive social encounters and the sympathetic adrenal medullary system (a key stress pathway) and whether there are age differences in these links. This study considers whether negative and positive social interactions are associated with diurnal alpha-amylase (a measure of the sympathetic adrenal medullary system) and whether there are differences in these links by age. Research Design and Methods Participants were from the Daily Health, Stress, and Relationship Study, which includes a random sample of 89 individuals (aged 40-95) who completed 14 days of daily diary interviews and provided saliva samples four times a day (wake, 30 min after wake, lunch, and bedtime) for four of those days that were assayed for alpha-amylase. Results Days in which people reported more negative interactions were associated with flatter morning declines in alpha-amylase, indicating greater stress. Links between positive interactions and diurnal alpha-amylase varied by age group. Discussion and Implications Findings are consistent with the SAVI model indicating that older adults respond differently to social stimuli than younger people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Birditt
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Lauren A Tighe
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Michael R Nevitt
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
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15
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Huo M, Graham JL, Kim K, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Aging Parents' Daily Support Exchanges With Adult Children Suffering Problems. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:449-459. [PMID: 28633505 PMCID: PMC6377028 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES When adult children incur life problems (e.g., divorce, job loss, health problems), aging parents generally report providing more frequent support and experiencing poorer well-being. Yet, it is unclear how adult children's problems may influence aging parents' daily support exchanges with these children or the parents' daily mood. METHODS Aging parents from the Family Exchanges Study Wave 2 (N = 207, Mage = 79.86) reported providing and receiving emotional support, practical support, and advice from each adult child each day for 7 days. Parents also rated daily positive and negative mood. RESULTS Multilevel models showed that aging parents were more likely to provide emotional and practical support to adult children incurring life problems than children not suffering problems. Parents were also more likely to receive emotional support and advice from these children with problems. Further, parents reported less negative mood on days when providing practical support to children with problems. DISCUSSION Examining daily support exchanges adds to our understanding of how children's problems influence parent-child ties in late life. Prior research suggests that children's problems upset parents. In this study, however, it appears that supporting adult children who suffer problems may alleviate aging parents' distress regarding such children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jamie L Graham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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16
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Salivary Biomarkers of Parenting Stress in Mothers Under Community Criminal Justice Supervision. Nurs Res 2018; 68:48-56. [PMID: 30540693 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community criminal justice supervised mothers are an underserved population who experience high rates of psychological distress and unique parenting challenges, but little is known about physiological stress system function in this population. OBJECTIVE We tested the salivary biomarkers of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function as predictors of subjective maternal stress. METHOD We recruited 23 mothers (age: M = 35.6 years, SD = 9.3 years; 35% Hispanic, 22% Black, 22% White, 22% multiracial) who were court mandated to a residential treatment center. We measured salivary alpha-amylase (AA) and cortisol, which index SNS and HPA activity, respectively, before and after a naturalistic reminder of a stressful parenting experience. We assessed self-reported parenting stress using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) subscales Parental Distress, Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interactions, and Difficult Child. We used regression to test AA and cortisol mean levels and reactivity as predictors of subscale scores. RESULTS Mean, but not reactive, salivary stress biomarker levels were associated with parenting stress domains. Mean cortisol levels predicted scores on the Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale (adj. R = .48), whereas mean AA predicted Difficult Child subscale scores (adj. R = .28). DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate the potential predictive utility of AA and cortisol as salivary biomarkers of maternal stress in community-supervised mothers. Given that maternal stress is associated with criminal recidivism and child behavioral health in this population, these biomarkers could potentially inform interventions to improve dyadic health and social outcomes.
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17
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Bangerter LR, Liu Y, Kim K, Zarit SH, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Everyday Support to Aging Parents: Links to Middle-Aged Children's Diurnal Cortisol and Daily Mood. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:654-662. [PMID: 28073999 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study Middle-aged adults are often called upon to support aging parents. However, providing support to an aging parent with health problems and disability may be a stressful experience. This study asked whether giving everyday support to parents in the context of health problems and disability has implications for middle-aged children's diurnal cortisol and daily mood. Design and Methods During four consecutive days, 148 middle-aged adults (mean age = 55) reported the support they gave to their parents and provided saliva 4 times a day (wake, 30 min post-wake, lunchtime, and bedtime). Multilevel models estimated within-person differences in positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), cortisol awakening response and area under the curve with respect to ground (AUC-G) as a function of giving same-day and previous-day support. We examined whether these associations are exacerbated when a parent has health problems or activities of daily living (ADL) needs. Results Middle-aged children had significantly higher next-day AUC-G on days after they gave support to parents with ADL needs. When participants gave support to parents with ADL needs, they had significantly greater same-day PA and lower next-day NA. Giving support to parents with health problems was associated with significantly higher next-day NA. Implications Giving support to parents is an ambiguous experience with implications for biological stress and daily mood. A biopsychosocial approach reveals under what conditions giving support to parents may become detrimental to health and well-being; this knowledge is essential for the development and implementation of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Bangerter
- Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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18
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Seidel AJ, Yorgason JB, Polenick CA, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Are You Sleeping? Dyadic Associations of Support, Stress, and Worries Regarding Adult Children on Sleep. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:341-352. [PMID: 28329807 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the study Sleep is a key factor in maintaining positive health and well-being throughout life. Although the negative outcomes of sleep problems are becoming better understood, less is known about how intergenerational relationships might affect sleep. Thus, this investigation examines the dyadic associations of support for, stress over, and worrying about adult children on sleep quality for husbands and wives. Design and Methods The sample included 186 heterosexual married couples drawn from the Family Exchanges Study. To account for nonindependence in the dyadic data and explore questions of mutual influence, we used actor-partner interdependence models. Results Husbands' and wives' reports of supporting their adult child and husbands' worry were associated with husbands' sleep quality. Conversely, wives' stress about supporting their adult child was associated with wives' sleep quality. Findings suggest that relationships with adult children have different associations for sleep quality among middle-aged husbands and wives. Implications Our findings have implications for health-related research with couples and families and for providers who work with individuals struggling with sleep problems. Assisting aging parents to be aware of and manage ways that stress, support, and concern for adult children relate to their sleep may benefit them in multifaceted ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Seidel
- PA Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | | | - Courtney A Polenick
- PA Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Steven H Zarit
- PA Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
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19
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Fingerman KL, Huo M, Graham JL, Kim K, Birditt KS. A Family Affair: Family Typologies of Problems and Midlife Well-Being. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:1054-1064. [PMID: 29029169 PMCID: PMC6215460 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Midlife adults are a "pivot" generation, responding to parents' and grown children's problems. Yet, some midlife adults may have families where multiple members suffer sorrows, whereas other midlife adults may have families with few problems. This study examined: (a) typologies of problems across generations and (b) associations between profiles of problems and midlife adults' well-being. Research Design and Methods Midlife adults (N = 633) reported their own, each parent's (n = 868), and grown child's (n = 1,785) physical (e.g., injury, cancer), psychological (e.g., anxiety, addiction), and lifestyle problems (e.g., divorce, job loss), and parents' functional disabilities. Midlife adults reported their own depressive symptoms. Results Latent profile analysis revealed four family typologies: (a) lowest problems across generations (n = 364), (b) offspring and midlife adult moderate problems, parent high physical problems and disability (n = 165), (c) offspring and parent moderate problems (n = 90), and (d) offspring highest problems (n = 14). Midlife adults in the lowest problems group (Profile a) reported higher income and fewer depressive symptoms than midlife adults in the other groups. Discussion and Implications Midlife adults cope with challenges when grown children or parents suffer problems, and their well-being may suffer as a result. In this study, regardless of the profile, higher problems in either generation were associated with more depressive symptoms for midlife adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jamie L Graham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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20
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Birditt KS, Manalel JA, Kim K, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Daily interactions with aging parents and adult children: Associations with negative affect and diurnal cortisol. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2017; 31:699-709. [PMID: 28368203 PMCID: PMC5608619 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Midlife adults report greater investment in their children than in their parents, and these ties have important implications for well-being. To date, little research has addressed daily experiences in these ties. The present study examines daily experiences (negative and positive) with aging parents and adult children and their associations with daily negative affect and diurnal cortisol rhythms. Participants were middle-aged adults (N = 156; 56% women) from Wave 2 of the Family Exchanges Study, conducted in 2013, who completed a 7-day daily diary study, which included assessments of daily negative and positive social encounters and negative affect, and 4 days of saliva collection, which was collected 3 times a day (upon waking, 30 min after waking, and at bedtime) and assayed for cortisol. Multilevel models revealed that individuals were more likely to have contact with adult children than with parents but more likely to have negative experiences (negative interactions, avoidance, negative thoughts) with parents than with adult children. Nevertheless, contact and negative experiences with adult children were more consistently associated with negative affect and daily cortisol patterns than were interactions with parents. Findings are consistent with the intergenerational stake hypothesis, which suggests that individuals have a greater stake in their children than in their parents. Indeed, negative experiences with adult children may be more salient because tensions with adult children occur less frequently than do tensions with parents. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S. Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Jasmine A. Manalel
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Steven H. Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Karen L. Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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