Sociology, Department of
Date of this Version
6-2001
Abstract
Based on a sample of matched adult children and aging parents in the rural Mid¬west, this study examined the effects of family relationship history on depressive symptoms among elderly parents. The study used reports from both adult chil¬dren and aging parents regarding intergenerational affectional solidarity and re¬lationship strain. Aging parents reported levels of depressed affect. Adult chil¬dren’s recalled early relationships with their parents were associated with elderly parents’ reports of depressed affect through the effects of early family relation¬ships on contemporary relationships. Reports of early relationships and contem¬porary relationships were separated by 5 years. It is suggested that family rela¬tionship characteristics persist across time and that family relationship patterns affect the abilities of family members to negotiate support for elderly parents.
Comments
Published in The Journal of Applied Gerontology, 20:2 (June 2001), pp. 214-229. Copyright © 2001 The Southern Gerontological Society; published by Sage Publications. Used by permission. http://jag.sagepub.com