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Chen J, Chen M. Trajectories of Intergenerational Emotional Closeness in Multi-Child Aging Families in China. Res Aging 2024; 46:314-326. [PMID: 38243368 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241229683] [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] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Intergenerational emotional closeness (IEC) in multi-child families manifests not only in the overall parent-child relationship but also by the extent of its within-family differentiation. This study aimed to identify distinct trajectories of collective IEC in multi-child families and to examine its potential associated factors. The study used four waves of the China Family Panel Studies (2010-2018). Based on a sample of 3474 older adults (age >60), growth mixture modelling and logistic regression were conducted. Two latent trajectory patterns of IEC were identified: increasingly tight-knit (93%) and persistently collectively ambivalent (7%). Compared to the latter trajectory, older adults who had a married/cohabiting partner, had better health and received support from all children, were more likely to have increasingly tight-knit trajectories of IEC. The study tells a story more about emotional cohesion between Chinese older adults and multiple offspring over time. Aging families experiencing persistently collectively ambivalent IEC deserve more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengni Chen
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Huang L, Wu H, Zhang F, Zhao H, Chen Y, Feng M, You Y, Peng X, Guan C, Liu Y. Factors associated with the perceived need for assistance from voluntary services in home-based older adults in Chinese urban areas: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:624. [PMID: 37803264 PMCID: PMC10557159 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04354-7] [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: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With China's rapidly aging population, meeting the diverse care needs of senior citizens is becoming more challenging. Although voluntary social services have numerous advantages and are popular among older adults, there is little information on the need for assistance from volunteer-based social services, particularly those with a medical background, and influencing factors among urban home-based older adults. This study aimed to assess the need for assistance from voluntary services and related factors among urban home-based older adults in China. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on communities in four cities in China. The 27-item Home-Based Older Adults Assistance Need Scale was used to measure the assistance needs of 498 participants aged 60 and above. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to identify salient variables associated with the need for assistance from voluntary services. RESULTS The mean score of the need for assistance from voluntary services was 88.60 ± 24.37. The mean scores of the items examining four dimensions, namely, health maintenance, visiting communication, social intercourse, and daily life, were 3.64 ± 1.08, 3.49 ± 1.04, 3.33 ± 1.08, and 2.78 ± 1.08, respectively. The level of depression, willingness to assist older adults, attaching importance to health preservation, ability to self-comfort, desire to accept assistance from others, and the presence of more children or none at all were all positively correlated with the perceived need for assistance from voluntary services. In contrast, social care obtained from visiting medical institutions was negatively correlated. These seven factors explained 28.5% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS Urban home-based older adults in China were found to have significant requirements for assistance from volunteer services, and several complex factors were associated with more significant assistance needs. These findings may encourage the extremely limited numbers of social volunteers, particularly those with a medical background, to identify priorities in providing assistance services to the large numbers of urban home-based older adults and thus improve service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fengjian Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huimin Zhao
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuqin Chen
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mingjiao Feng
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanjie You
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Peng
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chunyan Guan
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yilan Liu
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Koehly LM, Manalel JA. Interconnected social convoys: Understanding health and well-being through linked personal networks. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2023; 56:100541. [PMID: 38054886 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2023.100541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The convoy model of social relations describes how social relationships contribute to an individual's health and well-being from a life course and lifespan perspective. In large part, this model focuses on the unique, personal experiences of an individual, without due consideration of the reciprocal and shared relationships among those whose lives are inextricably linked. Here, we extend the convoy model to directly integrate Elder's concept of linked lives by considering the composition, structure, and function of linked personal networks, or social convoys, among close others, and the important implications of these network characteristics on the health of all involved. We illustrate this extension within the context of family, one of the most pivotal social contexts that can shape an individual's life course. Features of interconnected social convoys can help improve our understanding of how social ties shape and are shaped by life events not just for individuals, but for larger units of inquiry - such as, couples, parent-child triads, and nuclear families. Importantly, the interconnected convoy includes both family and non-family ties, providing a framework that considers how peoples' social spheres are linked as they jointly experience shared situations. Using informal caregiving as an example, we highlight the advantages that interconnected convoys bring to the concept of linked lives and provide direction on how this framework can advance our understanding of how social relationships influence either directly or indirectly health and well-being of individuals and families across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Koehly
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-2073, USA.
| | - Jasmine A Manalel
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, New York, NY 10035, USA
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4
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Bagautdinova D, Bylund CL, Kastrinos A, Hampton CN, Vasquez TS, Weiss ES, Sae-Hau M, Fisher CL. Adult sibling-related experiences while caring for a parent diagnosed with a blood cancer. FAMILIES, SYSTEMS & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF COLLABORATIVE FAMILY HEALTHCARE 2023; 41:140-148. [PMID: 36222643 PMCID: PMC10321271 DOI: 10.1037/fsh0000748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An older parent's blood cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family system, including adult siblings, an often overlooked subsystem of the family. Yet, adult siblings are typically involved in their parents' care needs. We explored sibling-related experiences adult child caregivers identify while caring for a parent diagnosed with a blood cancer to capture information useful for caregiving intervention development. METHOD Fifteen adult child caregivers with at least 1 sibling participated in an in-depth, semistructured interview. Participants were 87% white and 80% daughters. A majority of caregivers were in midlife (M age = 44), with parents diagnosed between age 56 and 90. A thematic analysis was conducted on transcripts using the constant comparative method. RESULTS Caregivers described 3 types of sibling-related experiences that centered on (a) caregiving responsibilities (e.g., sharing/not sharing tasks; challenging feelings about lack of involvement); (b) expectations about the caregiver role (e.g., gender, family status, and birth order expectations); and (c) coping together and apart (e.g., receiving information together, enhanced relationships, divergent maladaptive coping). DISCUSSION Findings illustrate how a parent's blood cancer diagnosis can enhance the sibling bond and family system as well as contribute to tension, particularly regarding the experiences of not sharing caregiving tasks or having divergent approaches to coping. Findings also provide insight into areas in which supportive interventions or resources are needed (e.g., helping siblings talk about caregiving involvement) to promote healthy family functioning after a blood cancer diagnosis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carma L. Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Amanda Kastrinos
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States
| | | | | | - Elisa S. Weiss
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, New York, United States
| | - Maria Sae-Hau
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, New York, United States
| | - Carla L. Fisher
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida
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Gilligan M, Suitor JJ, Pillemer K. Patterns and Processes of Intergenerational Estrangement: A Qualitative Study of Mother-Adult Child Relationships Across Time. Res Aging 2021; 44:436-447. [PMID: 34551648 DOI: 10.1177/01640275211036966] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Drawing from the life course perspective, we explored patterns of estrangement between mothers and their adult children across time, and the processes through which these ties remained estranged, or moved in or out of estrangement. We used a prospective design in which data were collected in face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 61 older mothers about their relationships with their 274 adult children at two time points 7 years apart. We began by examining the patterns of stability and change in intergenerational estrangement and identified movement in and out of estrangement across time. Qualitative analyses of the processes underlying estrangement revealed that movement in and out of estrangement reflected nuanced changes in contact and closeness over time rather than abrupt changes resulting from recent transitions in either mothers' or children's lives. Taken together, these findings illustrate the complexity of patterns and processes of intergenerational estrangement in later-life families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, IA, USA
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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6
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Rurka M, Jill Suitor J, Gilligan M. The Caregiver Identity in Context: Consequences of Identity Threat From Siblings. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:1593-1604. [PMID: 32674158 PMCID: PMC8436691 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although siblings represent central members of the networks of caregivers and their parents, there has been limited attention to how siblings affect one another's well-being during caregiving. In this article, we draw from theories of identity and stress to examine the impact that siblings have on caregivers' psychological well-being. Specifically, we employ a mixed-methods approach to explore whether caregivers' perceptions that their siblings are critical of the care they provide their mother are associated with higher depressive symptoms and the mechanisms underlying this association. METHODS Using quantitative data collected from 404 caregivers nested within 231 families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study, we conduct mediation analyses to examine whether perceived sibling criticisms are associated with caregivers' depressive symptoms (a) directly and/or (b) indirectly through sibling tension. We then analyze qualitative data collected from the same caregivers to gain insight into the processes underlying statistical associations. RESULTS Quantitative analyses revealed that there was no direct relationship between perceived sibling criticisms and depressive symptoms; there was, however, an indirect relationship such that perceived sibling criticisms were associated with greater sibling tension, which in turn was associated with higher depressive symptoms. These quantitative findings were corroborated by qualitative analyses, which demonstrated that, in an effort to mitigate the negative impact of sibling criticisms, caregivers often employed strategies that may have fueled sibling tension. DISCUSSION These findings demonstrate how identity processes, as well as the family networks in which caregiving takes place, shape the experiences and consequences of parent care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Rurka
- Department of Sociology, Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology, Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames
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Peng S, Suitor JJ, Gilligan M. Maternal Differential Treatment and Psychological Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Marital Tension and Sibling Tension? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:370-379. [PMID: 31814018 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Past research used equity theory and social comparison theory to explain the direct effect of maternal differential treatment (MDT) on psychological well-being. However, this focus on psychological pathways ignores possible social pathways, such as indirect effects of MDT on well-being through disrupting other family relationships. This study uses stress proliferation theory to argue that MDT, as a primary stressor in mother-child relationships, can produce secondary stressors in other family relationships (e.g., sibling tension and marital tension), which in turn leads to lower psychological well-being. METHODS To investigate this mechanism, we conducted multilevel mediation analysis using data collected from 720 adult children nested within 308 families, as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. RESULTS We found that sibling tension mediates the association between adult children's perceptions of maternal disfavoritism and their psychological well-being-a process we call the stress proliferation of maternal disfavoritism. In contrast, adult children's perceptions of maternal favoritism cannot trigger this stress proliferation process of producing marital tension nor sibling tension. DISCUSSION The evaluation of the stress proliferation process of maternal favoritism and disfavoritism can help us to understand the difference in effects across various dimensions of MDT. This study contributes to the literature on social relationships as social determinants of health by investigating how intergenerational relationships are connected to other family relationships to affect family members' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Peng
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames
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8
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Chen J, Zhou X. Within-family patterns of intergenerational emotional closeness and psychological well-being of older parents in China. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:711-719. [PMID: 31928065 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1711867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: There may be a substantial difference in the intergenerational emotional closeness among offspring in a multi-child family, both regarding the overall level as well as the extent to which older parents differentiate emotional closeness between their children. This study addressed different within-family patterns based on the average level and differentiation of older parent-child emotional closeness. It also examined the associations between these distinct patterns and the psychological well-being of older parents in China.Method: We derived a final sample of 4247 older parents (aged 60+) with 14,461 children from the baseline wave (2010) of the China Family Panel Studies. A latent profile analysis was applied to classify within-family patterns based on two indicators: within-family mean level and differentiation of parent-child emotional closeness among offspring. Ordered logistic regression and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were used to investigate the associations between these patterns and older adults' life satisfaction and depression, respectively.Results: Two family patterns of parent-child emotional closeness were identified: tight-knit (91.50%) and highly ambivalent (8.50%). Compared with the former, older parents having highly ambivalent relationships across multiple offspring tended to have lower life satisfaction and higher levels of depression.Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of capturing different within-family dynamics of intergenerational emotional closeness in Chinese families. It also pointed out the negative effects of collective ambivalence for older adults' psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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9
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Gilligan M, Suitor JJ, Rurka M, Silverstein M. Multigenerational social support in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY THEORY & REVIEW 2020; 12:431-447. [PMID: 34367339 PMCID: PMC8340915 DOI: 10.1111/jftr.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Research documents high levels of instrumental, financial, and expressive support exchanges within multigenerational families in the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges to support exchanges between the generations; however, the pandemic may provide opportunities for greater solidarity within families. In this review, we draw from theoretical perspectives that have been used to study family relationships to understand the implications of the pandemic for multigenerational families: the life course perspective, the intergenerational solidarity model, and rational choice/social exchange theory. We review literature on multigenerational relationships in the United States and discuss how established social support patterns and processes may be altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We reflect on how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multigenerational relationships may vary by gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Finally, we provide directions for future researchers to pursue in order to understand the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on multigenerational ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology & Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette
| | - Marissa Rurka
- Department of Sociology & Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette
| | - Merril Silverstein
- Department of Sociology & Department of Human Development and Family Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse
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10
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Gross SJ. Managing family dynamics when caring for older adults. Nursing 2020; 50:56-62. [PMID: 32195879 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000654040.24421.7f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Caring for older patients with neurocognitive disorders can be challenging, especially when family members disagree regarding optimal care. This article explores the role and utilization of mediators in the healthcare setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Gross
- Sarah J. Gross is an attorney and mediator at Conflict Resolution Consultants, Inc
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11
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Carr D, Utz RL. Families in Later Life: A Decade in Review. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2020; 82:346-363. [PMID: 33633412 PMCID: PMC7904069 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Later-life families encompass the legal, biological, romantic, and kin-like relationships of persons ages 65 and older. Research on older families has flourished over the past decade, as population aging has intensified concerns regarding the capacities of families to care for older adults and the adequacy of public pension systems to provide an acceptable standard of living. Shifting patterns of family formation over the past half-century have created a context in which contemporary older adults' family lives differ markedly from earlier generations. Decreasing numbers of adults are growing old with their first and only spouse, with rising numbers divorcing, remarrying, forming non-marital romantic partnerships, or living single by choice. Remarriage and the formation of stepfamilies pose challenges and opportunities as older adults negotiate complex decisions such as inheritance and caregiving. Family relationships are consequential for older adults' well-being, operating through both biological and psychosocial mechanisms. We synthesize research from the past decade, revealing how innovations in data and methods have refined our understanding of late-life families against a backdrop of demographic change. We show how contemporary research refines classic theoretical frameworks and tests emerging conceptual models. We organize the article around two main types of family relationships: (1) marriage and romantic partnerships and (2) intergenerational relationships. We discuss how family caregiving occurs within these relationships, and offer three promising avenues for future research: ethnic minority and immigrant families; older adults without close kin ("elder orphans"); and the potentials of rapidly evolving technologies for intergenerational relationships and caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Carr
- Department of Sociology, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Rebecca L Utz
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Social & Behavior Sciences Building, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0250
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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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13
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Peng S, Suitor JJ, Gilligan M. The Long Arm of Maternal Differential Treatment: Effects of Recalled and Current Favoritism on Adult Children's Psychological Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 73:1123-1132. [PMID: 27543080 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbw105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In this article, we draw from classic theories of social psychology and the life course to compare the effects of current and recalled perceived maternal differential treatment (MDT) on the depressive symptoms of adult children in midlife. Method To address this question, we used data collected from 746 adult children nested within 293 later-life families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. Results Multilevel regression revealed that both recollections of maternal differentiation from childhood and perceptions of mothers' current disfavoritism regarding conflict predicted depressive symptoms, whereas perceptions of current favoritism regarding emotional closeness did not. Discussion Taken together, the findings from this investigation reflect principles of theories of social comparison and the life course in that both perceptions of current MDT and MDT recalled from childhood affect children's well-being in midlife. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature highlighting the role of within-family differences in parent-child relationships on well-being across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Peng
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames
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14
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Bangerter LR, Liu Y, Zarit SH. Longitudinal trajectories of subjective care stressors: the role of personal, dyadic, and family resources. Aging Ment Health 2019; 23:255-262. [PMID: 29171960 PMCID: PMC6097957 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1402292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stressors are critical to the caregiver stress process, yet little work has examined resources that contribute to longitudinal changes in subjective stressors. The present study examines a variety of factors that contribute to changes in subjective stressors across time. METHOD Dementia caregivers (N = 153) completed an in-person interview and eight daily telephone interviews at baseline, and follow up interviews at 6 and 12 months. Growth curve analyses examine how care- and non-care stressors, respite, dyadic relationship quality, family support/conflict and care transitions (e.g. nursing home placement) are associated with changes in role overload and role captivity across 12 months. RESULTS Caregivers who transitioned out of their role had higher overload and captivity at baseline. Among caregivers who transitioned out of caregiving, higher captivity at baseline was associated with declines in captivity and overload; more non-care stressors at baseline was linked to increased captivity and greater overload across time. Adult day service use and family support were associated with lesser captivity over time; taking more breaks from caregiving was linked to lower overload. Higher dyadic relationship quality was associated with lower captivity and overload. CONCLUSION Findings contribute to caregiver intervention efforts by highlighting important resources associated with subjective stressors across time.
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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, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322
| | - Steven H. Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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15
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Con G, Suitor JJ, Rurka M, Gilligan M. Adult Children's Perceptions of Maternal Favoritism During Caregiving: Comparisons Between Turkey and the United States. Res Aging 2018; 41:139-163. [PMID: 29991335 DOI: 10.1177/0164027518785407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study explores cross-cultural variations in adult children's perceptions of maternal favoritism during caregiving in Turkey and the United States. Qualitative analysis of interview data from two siblings in each of 14 Turkish and 14 American families revealed differences in adult children's perceptions of and explanations for maternal favoritism. Most Turkish children perceived that their mothers favored sons because of higher filial expectations from sons. Conversely, most American children perceived that their mothers favored daughters and explained mothers' preferences as based on socioemotional factors. Furthermore, perceptions of maternal favoritism had detrimental consequences for sibling relationships in both contexts but differently. Turkish daughters reported conflicts over their favored brothers' lack of cooperation. American daughters perceived themselves as favored and felt obligated to undertake most of the caregiving burden which fueled sibling conflict. Taken together, this study highlights the importance of cultural context for understanding the within-family differences in sibling relationships during caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcin Con
- 1 Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - J Jill Suitor
- 1 Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marissa Rurka
- 1 Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Megan Gilligan
- 2 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Parental health limitations, caregiving and loneliness among women with widowed parents: longitudinal evidence from France. Eur J Ageing 2018; 15:369-377. [PMID: 30532674 PMCID: PMC6250644 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-018-0459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate how daughters' feelings of loneliness are impacted when widowed parents develop health limitations, and when daughters take on personal care tasks in response. Using longitudinal data from daughters of widowed parents drawn from the French Family and Intergenerational Relationships Study (ERFI, 1485 observations nested in 557 daughters), we assess (a) whether health limitations of widowed parents are associated with daughters' feelings of loneliness regardless of whether or not daughters provide personal care and (b) whether there is an effect of care provision on loneliness that cannot be explained by parental health limitations. Fixed effect regression analyses show that widowed parents' health limitations were associated with raised feelings of loneliness among their daughters. No significant additional effect of providing personal care to a widowed parent was found. Prior research on the impact of health limitations of older parents on the lives of their adult-children has focused mostly on issues related to informal caregiving. Our findings suggest that more attention to the psychosocial impact of parental health limitations-net of actual caregiving-on adult children's lives is warranted.
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Pillemer K, Gilligan M. Translating Basic Research on the Aging Family to Caregiving Intervention: The Case of Within-Family Differences. Innov Aging 2018; 2:igx035. [PMID: 30480127 PMCID: PMC6177031 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its inception, the field of gerontology has sought to establish optimal connections between the scientific activities of researchers and the real-world concerns of practitioners and clinicians. The concept of translational research has emerged in recent years as a model for bridging the gap between science and service. This article provides an example of how basic research findings can be translated to provide guidance for intervention in the area of family caregiving. We review findings from an innovative program of research on within-family differences, which extends theory and research from the developmental psychological study of children to the family in later life. The within-family difference perspective focuses on how the individual parent-child dyads in a particular family differ from and are affected by other dyads. Basic research on this topic has revealed the extent of parental favoritism in later life, factors related to parental differential treatment of offspring, and the consequences of such favoritism and treatment on sibling relationship quality and psychological well-being. Four examples are provided of ways in which attention to within-family differences research could enhance caregiving interventions.
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Gilligan M, Suitor JJ, Rurka M, Con G, Pillemer K. Adult Children's Serious Health Conditions and the Flow of Support Between the Generations. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 57:179-190. [PMID: 26185156 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The life course perspective suggests that serious physical or mental health conditions that limit the daily activities of any one family member are likely to be consequential for other family members as well. In this article, we explored whether adult children's serious health conditions affected the flow of expressive and instrumental support between mothers and both the offspring with health conditions and other offspring in the family. Design and Methods We used data collected from 369 older mothers (M = 78 years) regarding 1,338 of their adult children (M = 49 years), as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Results Adult children with serious health conditions were more likely than their siblings to be given support by their mothers. The presence of adult children with health issues did not reduce mothers' provision of expressive or instrumental support to their children without health conditions. However, in families in which a higher proportion of children had serious health conditions, mothers received expressive support from a greater proportion of their healthy adult children than in families with a smaller proportion of adult children with health conditions. Implications These findings contribute to a growing body of research demonstrating the ways in which conditions in adult children's lives affect their mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames
| | | | | | - Gulcin Con
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Suitor JJ, Gilligan M, Peng S, Jung JH, Pillemer K. Role of Perceived Maternal Favoritism and Disfavoritism in Adult Children's Psychological Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2017; 72:1054-1066. [PMID: 26443015 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbv089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The detrimental consequences of parents' differential treatment on children's well-being have been documented in earlier stages of the life course; however, little is known about this pattern in midlife. Drawing from theories of equity and social comparison, we tested whether psychological well-being was affected only by adult children's perceptions that their mothers treated some offspring in the family differently or by their perceptions that they were favored or disfavored. Further, we explored the extent to which these patterns differed by race. Method Multilevel regression modeling was conducted using data collected from 725 adult children nested within 309 later-life families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Results Depressive symptoms were higher when offspring perceived that they had the most emotional closeness to mothers or the greatest conflict with mothers. Depressive symptoms were also higher when respondents identified themselves as being the children in whom the mothers were most disappointed. Discussion The findings shed new light on the role of intergenerational relations in adult children's well-being in midlife by taking into consideration the respondents' direct reports of their perceptions of their mothers' favoritism and disfavoritism. Further, the findings provide evidence that the association between maternal differentiation and psychological well-being in adulthood is stronger in Black than in White families. These patterns suggest that the association between psychological well-being and both favoritism and disfavoritism can be accounted for by processes involving social comparison rather than equity for both Black and White adult children in midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, Indiana
| | - Siyun Peng
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Jong Hyun Jung
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Merrilees J. The Impact of Dementia on Family Caregivers: What Is Research Teaching Us? Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 16:88. [PMID: 27541750 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-016-0692-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Dementia family caregiving has been the focus of research for decades. Much has been learned about the negative impact of caregiving as well as characteristics that may be protective. This paper explores themes in caregiving pertinent to clinicians and researchers working with dementia family caregivers: the psychological, subjective, and physical outcomes of caregiving, ways in which dementia alters relationships between the patient and caregiver, and strategies for improving outcomes for caregivers. Suggestions for next steps in research and clinical care are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Merrilees
- UCSF Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, CA, 94158-1207, USA.
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Fredman L. Interconnections Between My Research and Experience as a Caregiver: Impacts on Empirical and Personal Perspectives. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 57:40-45. [PMID: 27497449 PMCID: PMC5241788 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shortly after I received my first R01 grant to study the health effects of caregiving, my sister and I became caregivers to our father. For the next 13 years, we helped him with activities of daily living (ADLs), accompanied him to doctors' appointments, arranged for home health care, and finally for home hospice. At first, I was able to connect our assistance with ADLs, frustration with coordinating his care, and our psychological stress with my epidemiologic studies. My familiarity with the language of caregiving and long-term care helped us to navigate the medical and home care systems, and to be advocates for my father. However, as my father's health declined, I felt an increasing disconnect between my research and my experience: communicating with physicians and other care providers, responding to crises and conversations with my sister about placing our father in a nursing home were greater sources of stress than my father's dementia. These discrepancies made me realize that I could help caregivers more by helping them to negotiate these challenges than through performing quantitative research. So I enrolled in a counseling psychology program. My manuscript will chronicle the ways that caregiving changed me; how my professional work did and did not help me as a caregiver; how the developmental and family theories that I am learning in my psychology classes have expanded my understanding of stressors facing adult child caregivers, and how this entire experience ties into generativity and Third Chapter careers that build on midlife experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Fredman
- Epidemiology Department, Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts.
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Falcão DVDS, Teodoro MLM, Bucher-Maluschke JSNF. Family cohesion: A study on caregiving daughters of parents with Alzheimer’s disease. INTERPERSONA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2016. [DOI: 10.5964/ijpr.v10isupp1.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this regard, investigating these aspects might facilitate the evaluation of family relations and the development of interventions that create, keep, restore, or enhance the skills families need to better deal with the disease. Based on this information, the objective of this chapter is to present and discuss investigative research on family cohesion and hierarchy from the perspective of caregiver daughters of elderly with Alzheimer’s in four situations: before the disease, currently, in conflict, and ideally. 32 women caretakers and their respective parents (6 fathers and 26 mothers) diagnosed with possible or probable AD participated in the survey. The instruments used were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in an Open Interview with a Semi-Structured Script, and the Family System Test (FAST). We observed that before onset of the disease, the caregivers generally perceived themselves to have more hierarchy than their siblings, χ2(2) = 4.92, p < .10. The current situation showed a greater number of caregivers in higher hierarchical positions than their siblings (72%), and a lesser number of siblings than expected in higher hierarchical positions than the caregivers, χ2(2) = 18.32, p < .001. The ideal representation showed that most caregivers did not want themselves or any of their siblings to have more power than the other (66.7%), χ2(2) = 14.89, p < .001. Comparing conflict representations to ideal representations showed that family members demonstrated lower cohesion in conflict situations than in ideal situations, z = -2.86, p < .01.
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Suitor JJ, Gilligan M, Peng S, Con G, Rurka M, Pillemer K. My Pride and Joy? Predicting Favoritism and Disfavoritism in Mother-Adult Child Relations. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2016; 78:908-925. [PMID: 27616785 PMCID: PMC5015766 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we compare predictors of mothers' differentiation among their adult children regarding emotional closeness, pride, conflict, and disappointment. We distinguish between predictors of relational (closeness, conflict) and evaluative (pride, disappointment) dimensions of favoritism and disfavoritism. Multilevel modeling using data collected from 381 older mothers regarding their relationships with 1,421 adult children indicated that adult children's similarity of values played the most prominent role in predicting mothers' favoritism and disfavoritism, followed by children's gender. Children's deviant behaviors in adulthood predicted both pride and disappointment but neither relational dimension. Contrary to expectations, the quantitative analysis indicated that children's normative adult achievements were poor predictors of both relational and evaluative dimensions of mothers' differentiation. Qualitative data shed additional light on mothers' evaluations by revealing that disappointment was shaped by children's achievements relative to their mothers' values and expectations, rather than by the achievement of specific societal, educational, career, and marital milestones.
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Gilligan M, Suitor JJ, Pillemer K. Estrangement Between Mothers and Adult Children: The Role of Norms and Values. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2015; 77:908-920. [PMID: 26207072 PMCID: PMC4507819 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Relationships between mothers and their children are expected to be lifelong and rewarding for both members of the dyad. Because of the salience of these ties, they are likely to be disrupted only under conditions of extreme relational tension and dissatisfaction. In this work, the authors drew on theoretical arguments regarding societal norm violations and value similarity to examine the processes that lead to estrangement between mothers and adult children. To address this issue, they used quantitative and qualitative data on 2,013 mother-adult child dyads nested within 561 later life families, including 64 in which mothers reported being estranged from at least 1 of their children. Value dissimilarity was found to be a strong predictor of estrangement, whereas violation of serious societal norms was not. Qualitative data revealed that value dissimilarity created severe relational tension between mothers and adult children leading to estrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, 2330 Palmer HDFS Building, Ames, IA 50010 ( )
| | - J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology Purdue University, 700 W State St., West Lafayette IN, 47907
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Department of Human Development MVR Hall, G44, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850
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Marcum CS, Koehly LM. Inter-generational contact from a network perspective. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2015; 24:10-20. [PMID: 26047986 DOI: 10.1016/_j.alcr.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Pathways for resource--or other--exchanges within families have long been known to be dependent on the structure of relations between generations (Agree et al., 2005; Fuller-Thomson et al., 1997; Silverstein, 2011; Treas & Marcum, 2011). Much life course research has theorized models of inter-generational exchange--including, the 'sandwich generation' (Miller, 1981) and the 'skipped generation' pathways (Chalfie, 1994)--but there is little work relating these theories to relevant network mechanisms such as liaison brokerage (Gould & Fernandez, 1989) and other triadic configurations (Davis & Leinhardt, 1972; Wasserman & Faust, 1994). To address this, a survey of models of resource allocation between members of inter-generational households from a network perspective is introduced in this paper. Exemplary data come from health discussion networks among Mexican-origin multi-generational households.
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Marcum CS, Koehly LM. Inter-generational contact from a network perspective. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2015; 24:10-20. [PMID: 26047986 PMCID: PMC4458302 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pathways for resource--or other--exchanges within families have long been known to be dependent on the structure of relations between generations (Agree et al., 2005; Fuller-Thomson et al., 1997; Silverstein, 2011; Treas & Marcum, 2011). Much life course research has theorized models of inter-generational exchange--including, the 'sandwich generation' (Miller, 1981) and the 'skipped generation' pathways (Chalfie, 1994)--but there is little work relating these theories to relevant network mechanisms such as liaison brokerage (Gould & Fernandez, 1989) and other triadic configurations (Davis & Leinhardt, 1972; Wasserman & Faust, 1994). To address this, a survey of models of resource allocation between members of inter-generational households from a network perspective is introduced in this paper. Exemplary data come from health discussion networks among Mexican-origin multi-generational households.
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Cheng ST, Mak EPM, Lau RWL, Ng NSS, Lam LCW. Voices of Alzheimer Caregivers on Positive Aspects of Caregiving. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2015; 56:451-60. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnu118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Suitor JJ, Gilligan M, Pillemer K. Continuity and Change in Mothers' Favoritism Toward Offspring in Adulthood. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2013; 75:1229-1247. [PMID: 38689711 PMCID: PMC11060705 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The importance of parental favoritism in childhood and adulthood has been well documented; little is known, however, about changes over time in such within-family differentiation. Drawing on theories of life course processes and developmental psychology, the authors used 7-year panel data collected from 406 older mothers about their relationships with 1,514 adult children to explore patterns of favoritism regarding caregiving and emotional closeness. The findings demonstrated continuity in patterns of mothers' favoritism. Mothers tended to prefer the same children across time, particularly regarding preferred caregivers. It was anticipated that children's social-structural characteristics, similarity to their mothers, structural position in the family, and support provision to mothers would predict favored child status across time; however, only similarity and support processes were strong and consistent predictors of change and continuity in patterns of mothers' favoritism.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jill Suitor
- Department of Sociology and Center on Aging & the Life Course, Stone Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Megan Gilligan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, 2330 Palmer HDFS Building, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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