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Wang P, Tao C. The influence of intergenerational support on cognitive functioning among middle-aged Chinese: Moderation by personal income. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 122:105393. [PMID: 38452651 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of personal income on the relationship between intergenerational support (IS) and cognitive functioning. METHODS Data were obtained from four waves of nationally representative surveys of the 2011-2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving 8,207 participants aged 45 ∼ 60 at baseline. Multivariate linear regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of three forms of intergenerational mutual supports on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, and subgroup regressions were used to analyze the moderating role of personal income in this relationship. RESULTS The results showed that financial and caregiving support from children impaired the cognitive functioning of their parents; whereas providing financial support to children and mutual emotional support with them positively affected their cognition; however, childcare was not significantly associated with cognitive levels in middle-aged adults. Moreover, the effect of IS on the cognitive level of Chinese middle-aged people disappeared or was attenuated by having pensions or earning their own post-tax income. CONCLUSION IS has a significant effect on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, but this effect is moderated by personal income. These results are informative for the development of intergenerational relationship intervention programs for the prevention of cognitive decline in middle-aged adults with different personal income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
| | - Chunhai Tao
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, China.
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De Lorenzo A, Lattke LS, Zedda E, Rabaglietti E. Resources and transversal competencies to reconcile child and parental responsibilities: A mini-review of the impact of COVID-19 on the Italian sandwich generation. Health Promot Perspect 2023; 13:192-197. [PMID: 37808938 PMCID: PMC10558967 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2023.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Longer life spans and the delayed economic and psychological independence of children mean that middle-aged parents find themselves caring for parents and children at the same period in their lives, at times this care may extend to grandchildren and grandparents. The type of care varies depending on each person's need but also on the gender of the individual who looks after their parents while taking care of their own children. Cultural factors can also come into play. Complications in the lives of those who are part of the Sandwich Generation (SG) may arise affecting the quality of their time, their psyche, physical and financial situation. Having the necessary skills and strategies to cope with these complications is extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia De Lorenzo
- SE-CREA Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lynda S. Lattke
- SE-CREA Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elga Zedda
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rabaglietti
- SE-CREA Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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3
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Falcão DVDS, Paulson D. Quality of relationship between adult children caregivers and parents with dementia. INTERPERSONA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022. [DOI: 10.5964/ijpr.5481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main effects for associations between psychosocial stressors and caregiver outcomes are well established, but little is known about the mechanisms of these relationships. Aims of this study were to examine the hypotheses that satisfaction with family relationships (SF) is a mechanism by which quality of relationship (QR) between adult children caregiver and parents with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) influences depression, life satisfaction (LF), and self-rated health (SRH) among these caregivers. The participants were 716 Brazilian adult children who cared for their parents with AD and related disorders. Regression-based path analysis was performed; a PROCESS, bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapping method was used to test confidence intervals. The relationships between QR and both depression (B = .3263, p < .001) and SRH (B = .3263, p < .001), were fully mediated by SF. The relationship between QR and LF was partially mediated by SF. The primary finding is that SF is one mechanism by which QR relates to depressive symptomatology, self-rated health, and life satisfaction.
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Jia Q, Li S, Kong F. Association Between Intergenerational Support, Social Integration, and Subjective Well-Being Among Migrant Elderly Following Children in Jinan, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:870428. [PMID: 35757625 PMCID: PMC9226480 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.870428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In China, as domestic urbanization progresses and immigration expands, an increasing number of older people are choosing to follow their migrant children to new cities. Such people are referred to as "migrant elderly following children." However, few studies have explored the subjective well-being of these older adults. The present study aims to investigate the factors that influence the subjective well-being of this population of older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 656 older migrants who had followed their children to Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Multistage cluster random sampling was used. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore, the relationships between intergenerational support, social integration, and subjective well-being. Results Overall, 96.3% of the older migrants showed good subjective well-being. Analysis of intergenerational support showed that those who had a female child (odds ratio [OR] = 0.401, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.180, 0.893) and those whose children had terrible conjugal relationships (OR = 0.223, 95% CI: 0.099, 0.504) were less likely to have better subjective well-being. Analysis of social integration showed that migrants who liked their current city (OR = 5.358, 95%CI: 1. 631, 17.599) and those who had a basic understanding of the local dialect (OR = 2.869, 95%CI: 1.203, 6.843) were more likely to have good subjective well-being. Migrants who had used in-patient service in the past year (OR = 0.216, 95%CI: 0.094, 0.497) were more likely to have poor subjective well-being. Conclusion Intergenerational support and social integration are positively associated with the subjective well-being of migrant elderly following children in China. Efforts should be made, including the creation of specialized policies, to improve the family atmosphere of such migrants and their integration into their new cities, as this would contribute to improving their subjective well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchen Jia
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Shixue Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
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5
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Polenick CA, Kim Y, DePasquale N, Birditt KS, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Midlife Children's and Older Mothers' Depressive Symptoms: Empathic Mother-Child Relationships as a Key Moderator. FAMILY RELATIONS 2020; 69:1073-1086. [PMID: 33927466 PMCID: PMC8078888 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the link between midlife children's and older mothers' depressive symptoms, whether this link is exacerbated in highly empathic mother-child relationships (i.e., shared strong feelings of being loved, cared for, and understood in the mother-child tie), and whether these associations vary by children's gender. BACKGROUND Empathic mother-child relationships in later life may intensify the link between midlife children's and older mothers' depressive symptoms. Yet little is known about the emotional implications of the mother-child tie for midlife daughters and sons. METHOD The sample included 234 midlife children (M = 49.75 years) and their mothers (M = 75.27 years) from Wave 1 of the Family Exchanges Study. Linear regressions were estimated to determine the link between midlife children's and older mothers' depressive symptoms and the potential moderating role of highly empathic mother-child relationships. RESULTS Midlife children had greater depressive symptoms when their mothers had greater depressive symptoms in the context of highly empathic mother-child relationships. This association was not moderated by children's gender. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the enduring emotional salience of the mother-child tie and emphasize the importance of relationship characteristics that may heighten the link between midlife children's and their mothers' depressive symptoms. IMPLICATIONS Interventions to prevent or treat depressive symptoms among midlife adults may benefit from accounting for the role that their mothers' depressive symptoms might play in maintaining these symptoms, particularly when mother-child ties are highly empathic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Polenick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Program for Positive Aging, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Aging & Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
| | - Yijung Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125
| | - Nicole DePasquale
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27701
| | - Kira S. Birditt
- Aging & Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
| | - Steven H. Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Karen L. Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX 78712
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Abstract
Development is a cumulative, lifelong process, but strikingly little is known about development in midlife. As a consequence, many misconceptions exist about the nature of midlife and the developmental milestones and challenges faced by middle-aged adults. We first review dominant views and empirical research that has debunked false narratives. Next, we discuss major opportunities and challenges of midlife. This includes the unique constellation of roles and life transitions that are distinct from earlier and later life phases as well as shifting trends in mental and physical health and in family composition. We additionally highlight the importance of (historical shifts in) intergenerational dynamics of middle-aged adults with their aging parents, adult children, and grandchildren; financial vulnerabilities that emerge and often accrue from economic failures and labor market volatility; the shrinking social and health care safety net; and the rising costs of raising children. In doing so, we discuss issues of diversity and note similarities and differences in midlife experiences across race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We consider midlife as a pivotal period that includes a focus on balancing gains and losses, linking earlier and later life periods, and bridging generations. Finally, we propose possibilities for promoting reversibility and resilience with interventions and policy changes. The suggested agenda for future research promises to reconceptualize midlife as a key period of life, with a concerted effort to focus on the diversity of midlife experiences in order to meet the unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the 2020s and beyond. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany
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Reczek C, Kissling A. Intensive Mothers, Cautionary Tale Fathers: Adult Children's Perceptions of Parental Influence on Health. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2020; 41:312-337. [PMID: 33603258 PMCID: PMC7889037 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x19875772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Parents strongly influence children's health, yet how parents continue to shape the health of midlife adult children remains unknown. Moreover, while most adults are married by midlife, research has failed to identify the effects of parent-in-law relationships on midlife adult wellbeing. Using interviews with 90 individuals in 45 marriages, we investigate how midlife adults perceive the influence of parents and parents-in-law on adult child health. Findings reveal that particularly mothers and mothers-in-law positively influence child's health via support during, or in anticipation of, illness and injury. The health experiences of parents and in-laws, particularly fathers/in-law, become cautionary tales preparing adult children for future health issues. Yet, parents/in-law also have negative influence on adult children during midlife due to parents' compounding health needs. We use family systems theory to show how parents/in-laws are intertwined in ways that influence health during children's midlife that has ramifications into later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Reczek
- The Ohio State University, Department of Sociology, 1885 Neil Ave Mall, 238 Townshend Hall, Columbus OH 43210
| | - Alexandra Kissling
- The Ohio State University, Department of Sociology, 1885 Neil Ave Mall, Townshend Hall, Columbus OH 43210
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8
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Roles of egos' and siblings' perceptions of maternal favoritism in adult children's depressive symptoms: A within-family network approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 8:271-289. [PMID: 33777395 DOI: 10.1017/nws.2019.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that intergenerational ties play important roles in adults' well-being. However, most studies focus on the impact of individuals' own perceptions of their ties without considering whether family members' assessments of these ties affect well-being. We address this question using data from 296 adult children nested within 95 later-life families in which all offspring were interviewed. Applying a mixed-method within-family approach, we explored whether the effect of perceived maternal favoritism on depressive symptoms was increased when siblings shared ego's perceptions. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that ego's own perceptions predicted depressive symptoms, but only among daughters. Siblings' perceptions that egos were most close to mothers did not affect the well-being of daughters or sons. Qualitative analyses suggested that differential effects of perceived favoritism by gender reflected differences in the meaning sons and daughters associated with being favored children. Favored daughters were more likely than favored sons to report that they were emotional caregivers to their mothers; this pattern was especially strong when siblings reinforced egos' perceptions of being "best suited" for this role. These findings emphasize the salience of egos' own perceptions, relative to those of family network members, in shaping role embracement and psychological well-being, especially among women.
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9
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Peng S, Bauldry S, Gilligan M, Suitor JJ. Older mother's health and adult children's education: Conceptualization of adult children's education and mother-child relationships. SSM Popul Health 2019; 7:100390. [PMID: 31193097 PMCID: PMC6517527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study joins and extends an emerging body of work examining the association between adult children's education and their parents' health by (1) providing a conceptual treatment of adult children's education, (2) examining the link between adult children's education and older mothers' physical and mental health, and (3) investigating whether mother-child relationships moderate the association between children's education and mothers' health. Data on 541 older mothers in the U.S. who reported on all of their adult children collected as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. Results indicate the best performing measure of adult children's education, the proportion with a college degree or higher, reflects a cumulative, credential-based approach. In addition, the proportion of adult children with a college degree or higher maintains a negative association with mother's depressive symptoms and activity limitations net of mother's own education as well as a number of sociodemographic factors and adult children's measures. There was no evidence that various aspects of mother-child relationships (geographic proximity, frequency of contact, and quality of relationships) moderated these negative associations.
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10
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Birditt KS, Polenick CA, Van Bolt O, Kim K, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Conflict Strategies in the Parent-Adult Child Tie: Generation Differences and Implications for Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:232-241. [PMID: 28510726 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Irritations often arise in intergenerational ties. Middle-aged individuals report that their relationships with adult children are more important and more negative than ties with aging parents. However, it is unclear whether midlife individuals use different interpersonal conflict strategies with adult children compared to aging parents, and whether the strategies used have implications for psychological well-being. Method This study examined middle-aged individuals' reports of conflict strategies with their adult children and their aging parents and their own depressive symptoms. Participants were from the Family Exchanges Study; middle-aged adults (N = 365, ages 45 to 66 years) reported on the conflict strategies used with each of their adult children and their aging parents. Results Models revealed that middle-aged individuals use more active strategies (e.g., discussing problems) with their adult children than their aging parents. In contrast, individuals used more passive strategies (e.g., avoidance) with aging parents than adult children. Further, passive strategies used with adult children are associated with greater depressive symptoms. Discussion Findings are consistent with the intraindividual stake hypothesis and imply that conflict strategies used with adult children may be more consequential for psychological well-being than those used with aging parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Birditt
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Olga Van Bolt
- Life Course Development Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
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Andreas A, White LO, Sierau S, Perren S, von Klitzing K, Klein AM. Like mother like daughter, like father like son? Intergenerational transmission of internalizing symptoms at early school age: a longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:985-995. [PMID: 29302748 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-1103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the well-established link between parental depressive symptoms and children's internalizing symptoms, studies that divide transmission into gender-specific components remain scarce. Therefore, the present study focused on gender-specific associations between internalizing symptoms of parents and children over the course of early school age, a key stage where gender-specific roles are increasingly adopted. Participants were 272 children (49.6% girls) oversampled for internalizing symptoms. Parents completed questionnaires twice during early school age (mean age time 1 = 7.4 years; SD = 0.24; mean age time 2 = 8.5 years; SD = 0.28). Mothers and fathers separately reported on their own depressive symptoms and their child's internalizing symptoms. Latent multiple group analyses indicated gender-independent stability as well as gender-specific relations between parental and child outcomes. Maternal depressive symptoms were concurrently associated with symptoms of girls and boys, while paternal symptoms were concurrently associated only with symptoms of boys, but not of girls. Moreover, the associations between children and the parent of the same gender became more relevant over time, suggesting a growing identification with the same-gender model, particularly for fathers and boys. In regard to prospective effects, girls' internalizing symptoms at age 7 predicted paternal depressive symptoms 1 year later. In a rigorous longitudinal design, this study underscores the importance of gender specificity in the associations of internalizing symptoms between children and their mothers and fathers after controlling for symptom stability over time. The study also raises the interesting possibility that girls' internalizing symptoms elicit similar symptoms in their fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andreas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Lars O White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan Sierau
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Perren
- University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany.,Thurgau University of Teacher Education, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Kai von Klitzing
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette M Klein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Gilligan M, Karraker A, Jasper A. Linked Lives and Cumulative Inequality: A Multigenerational Family Life Course Framework. JOURNAL OF FAMILY THEORY & REVIEW 2018; 10:111-125. [PMID: 30034068 PMCID: PMC6051726 DOI: 10.1111/jftr.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Growing social and economic inequalities in the United States have been accompanied by shifts in family structure. Social and demographic changes may make multigenerational family ties (e.g., between grandparents, parents, and children) an even more important contributor than ever in perpetuating inequality. The family life course framework, which considers how dimensions of individual (age), sociohistorical (period, cohort), and processual (generation) time intersect, provides a useful structure for thinking about how multigenerational families matter for inequality today. We integrate these dimensions of time with the ideas of linked lives and cumulative inequality to propose ways in which advantage and disadvantage are transmitted and grow across multiple generations. In particular, we propose an integrative model of linked lives and cumulative inequality that extends the family life course framework into a multigenerational perspective. We conclude by identifying data sources and methodologies useful for family scholars interested in pursuing a multigenerational family approach to inequality.
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Polenick CA, Fredman SJ, Birditt KS, Zarit SH. Relationship Quality with Parents: Implications for Own and Partner Well-Being in Middle-Aged Couples. FAMILY PROCESS 2018; 57:253-268. [PMID: 28004851 PMCID: PMC5481501 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Relationships with parents have significant implications for well-being throughout the lifespan. At midlife, these ties are situated within both developmental and family contexts that often involve the adult offspring's spouse. Yet, it is not known how ties with aging parents are related to psychological well-being within middle-aged couples. This study examined how middle-aged wives' and husbands' views of the current quality of relationships with their own parents (positive and negative) are linked to their own and their partner's psychological well-being. Using a sample of 132 middle-aged couples from Wave 1 of the Family Exchanges Study, we estimated actor-partner interdependence models to evaluate these dyadic associations while controlling for each spouse's marital satisfaction. Both actor and partner effects were observed. With respect to actor effects, wives who reported more negative relationship quality with their own parents had elevated depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction. Husbands who reported more negative relationship quality with their own parents had lower life satisfaction. In terms of partner effects, husbands had lower depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction when wives reported more positive relationship quality with their own parents. Finally, the link between wives' positive ties with parents and husbands' lower depressive symptoms was intensified when husbands had less positive relationships with their own parents. Findings suggest that relationship quality with wives' aging parents has implications for both spouses' well-being and may serve as a critical social resource for husbands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffany J. Fredman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,
| | - Kira S. Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
MI 48104.
| | - Steven H. Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,
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14
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Abstract
Family relationships are enduring and consequential for well-being across the life course. We discuss several types of family relationships—marital, intergenerational, and sibling ties—that have an important influence on well-being. We highlight the quality of family relationships as well as diversity of family relationships in explaining their impact on well-being across the adult life course. We discuss directions for future research, such as better understanding the complexities of these relationships with greater attention to diverse family structures, unexpected benefits of relationship strain, and unique intersections of social statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Thomas
- Department of Sociology and Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Debra Umberson
- Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
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