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Birditt KS, Newton NJ, Turkelson A, Polenick CA, Zhou Z, Fingerman KL. Daily Rumination Among Older Men and Women: The Role of Perceived Family and Nonfamily Social Partner Life Stress. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae027. [PMID: 38430639 PMCID: PMC11003536 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women tend to ruminate more than men, and are generally more hypervigilant to the emotions of others in order to maintain positive social ties. Thus, compared to men, women may ruminate more when their social partners have greater life stresses. However, the literature on stressful events typically focuses on individuals' experiences and perceptions of stressors experienced by specific social ties such as spousal partners and adult children. The purpose of this study was to examine links between perceptions of a broad array of family and nonfamily social partner stresses and daily rumination among older men and women. METHODS Adults aged 65 and older (N = 293, 55% women) completed baseline assessments of family and nonfamily life stressors and 5-6 consecutive nightly assessments regarding rumination, interpersonal tensions, worries, and support provision. RESULTS Multilevel structural equation models revealed that perceptions of greater family and nonfamily life stressors were associated with greater rumination. The links between family stress and rumination varied by gender: family stress was related to greater rumination among women and not men. Moreover, among women, family and nonfamily stress-rumination links were accounted for by greater daily worries about others, and among men, the nonfamily stress-rumination link was due to greater interpersonal tensions as well as daily worries. DISCUSSION These findings may be due in part to gender role socialization and women's greater kin-keeping and investment in family ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicky J Newton
- Psychology Department, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela Turkelson
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Zexi Zhou
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Psarrou A, Adamakidou T, Apostolara P, Koreli A, Drakopoulou M, Plakas S, Mastrogiannis D, Mantoudi A, Parissopoulos S, Zartaloudi A, Mantzorou M. Associations between Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Greece. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:61. [PMID: 37367093 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8030061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity is an important factor in achieving healthy aging, offering older persons multiple benefits in terms of maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022, using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A total of 124 people aged 65 and over participated in the survey. The average age of the participants was 71.6 years, and 62.1% were women. Participants showed a moderate quality of life with regard to the physical health dimension (mean score 52.4) and a higher quality of life with regard to the mental health dimension (mean score 63.1) compared to the expected values of the population. Low levels of physical activity were recorded among older adults, reaching a rate of 83.9%. A moderate or high level of physical activity has been found to contribute to a better physical functioning (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.02) and general health (p = 0.01). Finally, comorbidity had a negative impact on physical activity (p = 0.03) and quality of life regarding mental and physical health in older adults. The study showed very low levels of physical activity in older Greek adults. The management of this problem, which was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be a high priority in public health programs focusing on healthy aging, as physical activity affects and promotes many of the basic aspects of quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Psarrou
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoula Adamakidou
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Apostolara
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Koreli
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Drakopoulou
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Plakas
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimos Mastrogiannis
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Mantoudi
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Parissopoulos
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Afroditi Zartaloudi
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Mantzorou
- MSc Program in Community and Public Health Nursing, Nursing Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
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Patterson SE, Freedman VA, Cornman JC, Wolff JL. Work as Overload or Enhancement for Family Caregivers of Older Adults: Assessment of Experienced Well-Being Over the Day. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2023; 85:760-781. [PMID: 37234687 PMCID: PMC10208382 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study examines work and care patterns and their association with experienced well-being over the course of the day and tests a moderating effect of gender. Background Many family and unpaid caregivers to older adults face dual responsibilities of work and caregiving. Yet little is known about how working caregivers sequence responsibilities through the day and their implications for well-being. Method Sequence and cluster analysis is applied to nationally representative time diary data from working caregivers to older adults in the U.S. collected by the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) (N=1,005). OLS regression is used to test the association with well-being and a moderating effect of gender. Results Among working caregivers, five clusters emerged, referred to as: Day Off, Care Between Late Shifts, Balancing Act, Care After Work, and Care After Overwork. Among working caregivers, experienced well-being was significantly lower among those in the Care Between Late Shifts and Care After Work clusters relative to those in the Day Off cluster. Gender did not moderate these findings. Conclusion The well-being of caregivers who split time between a limited number of hours of work and care is comparable to those who take a day off. However, among working caregivers balancing full-time work - whether day or night - with care presents a strain for both men and women. Implications Policies that target full-time workers who are balancing care for an older adult may help increase well-being.
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Vafaei A, Rodrigues R, Ilinca S, Fors S, Kadi S, Zolyomi E, Phillips SP. Inequities in home care use among older Canadian adults: Are they corrected by public funding? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280961. [PMID: 36730166 PMCID: PMC9894438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although care use should parallel needs, enabling and predisposing circumstances including the socio-demographic inequities of socioeconomic status (SES), gender, or isolation often intervene to diminish care. We examine whether availability of state-funded medical and support services at home can rebalance these individual and social inequities, and do this by identifying if and how intersecting social identities predict homecare use among older Canadian adults. METHODS Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) of 30,097 community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 85, we performed recursive partitioning regression tree analysis using Chi-Squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID). Combinations of individual and social characteristics including sociodemographic, family-related, physical and psychological measures and contextual indicators of material and social deprivation were explored as possible predictors of formal and informal care use. RESULTS Diminished function i.e. increased need, indicated by Activities of Daily Living, was most strongly aligned with formal care use while age, living arrangement, having no partner, depression, self-rated health and chronic medical conditions playing a lesser role in the pathway to use. Notably, sex/gender, were not determinants. Characteristics aligned with informal care were first-need, then country of birth and years since immigration. Both 'trees' showed high validity with low risk of misclassification (4.6% and 10.8% for formal and informal care, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although often considered marginalised, women, immigrants, or those of lower SES utilised formal care equitably. Formal care was also differentially available to those without the financial or human resources to receive informal care. Need, primarily medical but also arising from living arrangement, rather than SES or gender predicted formal care, indicating that universal government-funded services may rebalance social and individual inequities in formal care use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Vafaei
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ricardo Rodrigues
- ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- SOCIUS, Research Centre in Economic and Organizational Sociology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefania Ilinca
- European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Fors
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Selma Kadi
- European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eszter Zolyomi
- European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susan P. Phillips
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Karlsen HR, Langvik E. Sex-specific psychological risk profiles of CVD in the HUNT study: the role of neuroticism and extraversion. Psychol Health 2022:1-19. [PMID: 36404707 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2146113] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate psychological risk profiles of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Depression and anxiety have been linked to CVD, but research has not incorporated personality and sex-specific analyses are warranted. In this study, we examine the role of sex, neuroticism, extraversion, anxiety and depression on the risk of CVD. METHOD Using data from the HUNT-study and the mortality register, 32,383 (57.10% men) participants were followed for an average of 10.48 years. During this time, 142 died of myocardial infarction (MI) and 111 of stroke. RESULTS Cox regression showed that depression (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = [1.00, 1.14]) and neuroticism (1.23 [1.08, 1.40]) were significantly related to an increased risk of MI. One standard unit increase in depression and neuroticism was associated with 1.22 [CI 1.01, 1.47] increase and 1.43 [CI 1.14, 0.78] increase in the risk of MI respectively. For stroke, there was no significant effect of anxiety, depression or personality. However, we found a significant interaction effect between sex and extraversion where higher extraversion was associated with greater risk of stroke for women only. CONCLUSIONS Both neuroticism and depression were related to MI. We observed an interaction between extraversion and sex with stroke, but the effect size was small. The role of extroversion as a risk factor for CVD remains inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håvard R Karlsen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eva Langvik
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Abdul Rahman H, Tengah A, Mohd Yusof Y, Slesman L, Hoon CY, Abdul-Mumin KH. Predictors of Satisfaction With Life and Health Status of Older People in Brunei: A Gender Comparative Study. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605042. [PMID: 36090827 PMCID: PMC9452623 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate predictors of life satisfaction and healthy aging with focus on gender differences among older people in Brunei Darussalam. Methods: A cross-sectional study on older people recruited by proportionate sampling. Multiple linear regression stratified by gender was applied. Results: 45.6% of life satisfaction of older women were strongly associated with self-perceived health, social relationship, and education level. For older men, 26.3% of the variance of life satisfaction was predicted by physical functioning or disability, and social relationship. For older women, 38.9% of the variance of health status can be explained with satisfaction with life, and difficulty to do daily tasks. For older men, 33.1% of the variance of health status can be accounted by income, number of children, presence of chronic illness, and diabetes. Conclusion: This paper discusses the unique gender differences of older people from a global perspective. Policymakers and stakeholders need to account for local and contextual differences before adopting international guideline. Particularly, on the maintenance or further promotion social interactions, active engaging elderly in health maintenance, and physical and mental functioning of the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanif Abdul Rahman
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Hanif Abdul Rahman,
| | - Armah Tengah
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- School of Health Sciences, Politeknik Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
| | - Yusnani Mohd Yusof
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Ly Slesman
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Chang-Yau Hoon
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin
- Centre for Advanced Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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The effects of adult children's gender composition on the care type and care network of ageing parents. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21001999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although the literature on informal care-giving for older parents shows that daughters have a higher tendency to provide care compared with sons, only a few studies have focused on the gender composition of all children or parents’ entire range of care options. Our study examines the effect of children's gender composition on informal and formal care types, as well as the informal care network. Using data from the 2015 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (N = 40,312), we found that parents with daughters tended to use less formal care because daughters take on additional informal care-giving responsibilities. Daughters were the main care-givers among parents’ informal care networks. Further analysis indicated that daughters-in-law play an important role in the care-giving process when parents have only sons. We concluded that the presence of a daughter among the children reduces the use of formal care. The results indicated that children's gender composition is an important factor in explaining the allocation of informal care to parents.
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Jang H, Pilkauskas NV, Tang F. Age at Immigration and Depression: The Mediating Role of Contemporary Relationships With Adult Children Among Older Immigrants. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:413-423. [PMID: 33249477 PMCID: PMC8824557 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For the growing population of older immigrants in the United States, both age at immigration and familial relationships are important factors affecting psychological well-being. This study explores how age at immigration and contemporary relationships with adult children combine to explain older immigrants' depressive symptoms. METHOD This study uses 2014 Health and Retirement Study data from a sample of 759 immigrants aged 65 and older who have at least one adult child aged 21 or older. A series of ordinary least squares regressions and mediational analyses were conducted. RESULTS Findings indicate that structural solidarity significantly mediates the association between age at immigration and depressive symptoms. Specifically, immigrating in later life was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms through its relationship with structural solidarity. In addition, giving monetary support to children and providing care for grandchildren may alleviate depressive symptoms for older immigrants. DISCUSSION This study suggests that relationships with adult children may differ with age at immigration. The types of support that older immigrants provide to their adult children may be crucial because such support may instill a sense of obligation and reciprocity that may be beneficial to the psychological well-being of older immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Jang
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Fenyan Tang
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Lyttelton T, Zang E, Musick K. Telecommuting and gender inequalities in parents' paid and unpaid work before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2022; 84:230-249. [PMID: 34908583 PMCID: PMC8661776 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study examines the relationship between telecommuting and gender inequalities in parents' time use at home and on the job before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background Telecommuting is a potential strategy for addressing the competing demands of work and home and the gendered ways in which they play out. Limited evidence is mixed, however, on the implications of telecommuting for mothers' and fathers' time in paid and unpaid work. The massive increase in telecommuting due to COVID-19 underscores the critical need to address this gap in the literature. Method Data from the 2003-2018 American Time Use Survey (N = 12,519) and the 2020 Current Population Survey (N = 83,676) were used to estimate the relationship between telecommuting and gender gaps in parents' time in paid and unpaid work before and during the pandemic. Matching and quasi-experimental methods better approximate causal relationships than prior studies. Results Before the pandemic, telecommuting was associated with larger gender gaps in housework and work disruptions but smaller gender gaps in childcare, particularly among couples with two full-time earners. During the pandemic, telecommuting mothers maintained paid work to a greater extent than mothers working on-site, whereas fathers' work hours did not differ by work location. Conclusion In the context of weak institutional support for parenting, telecommuting may offer mothers a mechanism for maintaining work hours and reducing gender gaps in childcare, while exacerbating inequalities in housework and disruptions to paid work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lyttelton
- Department of OrganizationCopenhagen Business SchoolFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Emma Zang
- Department of SociologyYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Kelly Musick
- Brooks School of Public Policy and Department of SociologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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de Klerk M, de Boer A, Plaisier I. Determinants of informal care-giving in various social relationships in the Netherlands. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:1779-1788. [PMID: 33477204 PMCID: PMC8596597 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates determinants for offering help to family members, neighbours and friends, based on the Informal Care Model. We do so in pooled representative data for the Netherlands collected in 2014 and 2016 (persons >17 years, n = 13,165). One-third provides informal care to a person with health problems or impairments: partners (4%, n = 671), parents or children (16%, n = 2,381), distant relatives (6%, n = 858), friends or neighbours (6%, n = 839). Marginal effects show differences in the associations of care-giving relationships with sociodemographic factors, barriers and beliefs. Helping a partner is related to age, gender (older people and men are more likely to help) and household composition (singles help less often). Care for close family is given often by 45-64 year olds, women, multiperson households and those with strong family beliefs. Helping second-degree relatives correlates with age (young people help more often), barriers (those living with children help less often) and beliefs (people with professional background in care and people who attend church or mosque helping more often). Providing non-kin care is associated with age and education level (young people less likely to help, people with a high education more likely), barriers (having a fulltime job) and beliefs (work experience in care, church or mosque attendance and norms). The supply of care to partners and close family is mainly associated with sociodemographic factors and barriers while the provision of care to distant family and non-kin is also correlated with beliefs. If desirable policy is to create more informal care, investment in the combination of work and informal care, childcare and supportive arrangements for older community living couples is recommended. It also might be worthwhile to enhance beliefs about the usefulness of helping each other in times of need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam de Klerk
- The Netherlands Institute for Social ResearchThe HagueThe Netherlands
| | - Alice de Boer
- The Netherlands Institute for Social ResearchThe HagueThe Netherlands
- Faculty of Social SciencesVU AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Inger Plaisier
- The Netherlands Institute for Social ResearchThe HagueThe Netherlands
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van der Heide I, van Wezel N, Blom M, Spreeuwenberg P, Devillé WLJM, Francke AL. Effects of an educational intervention on health-related quality of life among family caregivers of people with dementia with a Turkish or Moroccan immigrant background: Insights from a cluster randomised controlled trial. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1168-1175. [PMID: 33143906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gaining understanding of the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of family caregivers of people with dementia with Turkish or Moroccan immigrant backgrounds and to examine whether an educational peer group intervention can improve HRQL. METHODS Understanding of HRQL and associated variables was obtained by multiple linear regression analyses. The effects of the intervention on HRQL were assessed in multilevel analyses using data collected before the start (baseline), directly after the intervention (one to two weeks after baseline) and three months after the start of the intervention. The intervention (two interactive group sessions) entailed providing information about dementia and care/support options. RESULTS At baseline (n = 319), HRQL was moderately and significantly associated with migration background, gender, self-perceived pressure from informal care and the formal and informal support received (p < .05). The intervention had a small effect on emotional wellbeing directly after the intervention (p < .05) and on perceived general health status three months after (p < .05). CONCLUSION Culturally sensitive peer group education on dementia and care/support options can to some extent enhance HRQL among family caregivers in the short term. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The intervention as described in this study is recommended for supporting family caregivers of people with dementia with Turkish or Moroccan backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris van der Heide
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, P.O. Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | | | - Marco Blom
- Alzheimer Nederland, Amersfoort, Netherlands
| | - Peter Spreeuwenberg
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, P.O. Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Walter L J M Devillé
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, P.O. Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, Netherlands; Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anneke L Francke
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, P.O. Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Grünwald O, Damman M, Henkens K. The Differential Impact of Retirement on Informal Caregiving, Volunteering, and Grandparenting: Results of a 3-Year Panel Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:607-619. [PMID: 33294930 PMCID: PMC8611689 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Research on retirees’ engagement in informal caregiving, formal volunteering, and
grandparenting often views retirement as a permanent exit from the workforce. Retirement
processes are, however, increasingly diverse: some retire fully while others remain in
paid work after retirement from a career job. A relevant but understudied question is
how these different retirement processes relate to changes in engagement in unpaid
productive activities. Building on role theory, we hypothesize that full and working
retirees face different consequences of retirement and, therefore, differ in engagement
in unpaid productive activities. Method We analyze data that were collected in 2015 and 2018 among 4,882 Dutch individuals aged
60–65 and employed at baseline. Around half had fully retired at follow-up and 10%
worked after their retirement. At follow-up, more respondents are regularly volunteering
(from 17% to 27%) and grandparenting (from 39% to 53%) than at baseline, while
caregiving remains rather stable (from 33% to 30%). Results Conditional change models show that full retirement is associated with an increased
likelihood of volunteering and grandparenting, but not caregiving. Engagement in
postretirement work is related to an increased likelihood of looking after the
grandchildren, but not to volunteering or providing informal care. Discussion Our findings suggest that volunteering is important for replacing weak ties after full
retirement, while grandparenting might be a new, central role in retirement—irrespective
of work engagement. Retirees seem to engage in unpaid productive activities for
different reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Grünwald
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), The Hague, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Damman
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), The Hague, the Netherlands.,Department of Sociology, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kène Henkens
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), The Hague, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.,Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Care Life Expectancy: Gender and Unpaid Work in the Context of Population Aging. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2021; 41:197-227. [PMID: 33612898 PMCID: PMC7882465 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-021-09640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Amid growing concern regarding the potential added burden of care due to population aging, we have very little understanding of what is the burden of care in aging populations. To answer this question, we introduce a novel metric that encompasses demographic complexity and social context to summarize unpaid family care work provided to children, elderly, and other family members across the life cycle at a population level. The measure (Care Life Expectancy), an application of the Sullivan method, estimates the number of years and proportion of adult life that people spend in an unpaid caregiving role. We demonstrate the value of the metric by using it to describe gender differences in unpaid care work in 23 European aging countries. We find that at age 15, women and men are expected to be in an unpaid caregiving role for over half of their remaining life. For women in most of the countries, over half of those years will involve high-level caregiving for a family member. We also find that men lag in caregiving across most countries, even when using the lowest threshold of caregiving. As we show here, demographic techniques can be used to enhance our understanding of the gendered implications of population aging, particularly as they relate to policy research and public debate.
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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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Fuller HR. Implications of relationships with family, friends, and neighbors for changes in women's well-being in late life. J Women Aging 2020; 33:362-377. [PMID: 33245678 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2020.1847712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether relationships with family, friends, and neighbors (both satisfaction and number in the social network) were associated with older women's well-being concurrently and over two years. Additionally, age differences among older women were explored. Women aged 60+ (N = 224, Mage = 80) were sampled from the Social Integration and Aging Study. Greater family and friend satisfaction were positively associated with well-being; number in network was not. Age-related effects for family and friend relationships suggested potential protective effects for the oldest women. Findings highlight unique facets of older women's relationships, suggesting future directions addressing age and support source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R Fuller
- Human Development and Family Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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Yang Y, Grol-Prokopczyk H. Chronic Pain and Friendship among Middle-Aged and Older U.S. Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 76:2131-2142. [PMID: 33119081 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examines how chronic pain affects friendship in later life. We test whether onset of pain leads to social network activation, as suggested by research on other health conditions (Latham- Mintus, Forth.), or whether pain-an unverifiable and often stigmatizing condition-functions as a "threat to the social self" (Karos et al., 2018). METHODS Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N=4,598; 2006/2008 as Time 1 and 2010/2012 as Time 2), we conducted OLS regressions with the lagged dependent variable approach to assess how new-onset chronic pain predicted (a) respondents' number of close friends and (b) their frequency of in-person meetings with friends, controlling for sociodemographic variables and health conditions. RESULTS New-onset severe pain predicted a decrease in number of friends. New-onset moderate pain, in contrast, predicted more friends and more frequent in-person meetings. (Findings were significant or marginally significant depending on model specifications.) Mild pain showed no significant association with either outcome. Pain had a greater effect on men's friendship outcomes than women's. DISCUSSION The effects of chronic pain on later-life friendships appear to depend on pain severity, and to differ between men and women. Onset of severe pain serves as a "threat to the social self," while onset of moderate pain contributes to social network activation; both associations are significantly more pronounced among men. These findings highlight the complex associations between health and social outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Yang
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk
- Department of Sociology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
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17
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Fingerman KL, Huo M, Birditt KS. Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, and Sons: Gender Differences in Adults' Intergenerational Ties. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2020; 41:1597-1625. [PMID: 38239383 PMCID: PMC10795962 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x19894369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Women are more involved in family ties than men, but these differences may vary across generations as gender roles have shifted. We know little about gender patterns across generations in the same family, however. To address this gap, midlife men and women aged 40-60 (n = 633) from the Family Exchanges Study reported on relationships with each aging parent and each grown child. Mothers were more involved (e.g., more frequent contact, greater positive and negative relationship qualities, and more frequent support exchanges) than fathers in both generations, with parental gender differences stronger in the older generation. Offspring gender differences were generally consistent across generations, with daughters more involved by phone in emotional forms of support, and in negative relationship quality; these gender differences were stronger in the younger generation than the older ones. We discuss pervasive gender differences that favor mothers, as well as shifts in gender differences across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kira S. Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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18
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Langner LA, Furstenberg FF. Gender Differences in Spousal Caregivers' Care and Housework: Fact or Fiction? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 75:173-183. [PMID: 30085145 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many studies reveal a gender gap in spousal care during late life. However, this gap could be an artifact of methodological limitations (small and unrepresentative cross-sectional samples). Using a data set that overcomes these limitations, we re-examine the question of gender differences in spousal care and housework adjustment when a serious illness occurs. METHOD We use biannual waves between 2001 and 2015 of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study and growth curve analyses. We follow couples longitudinally (identified in the household questionnaire) to analyze shifts in spousal care hours and housework plus errand hours that occur as a response to the spousal care need. We test for interactions with levels of care need and with gender. RESULTS We found that men increase their care hours as much as women do, resulting in similar care hours. They also increase their housework and errand hours more than women do. Yet at lower levels of spousal care need, women still do more housework and errands because they spent more time doing housework before the illness. DISCUSSION Even in a context of children's decreasing availability to care for parents, male spouses assume the required caregiving role in systems relying on a mixture of public and private care.
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19
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Rutigliano R. Counting on Potential Grandparents? Adult Children's Entry Into Parenthood Across European Countries. Demography 2020; 57:1393-1414. [PMID: 32519304 PMCID: PMC7441078 DOI: 10.1007/s13524-020-00890-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
As populations age and longevity rises, the structure of the extended family is changing. Parents of young children are increasingly turning to the children’s grandparents to provide childcare and help them reconcile work and family. This study is the first to investigate whether would-be grandparents’ propensity to care for their grandchildren influences the adult children’s transition to parenthood. Because grandparental childcare provision is not observable at the time of the transition to the first birth, I built a measure based on the characteristics of both actual grandparents and adult children to act as a proxy for the childcare that prospective grandparents are expected to provide in the future. Using data from the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe, I examine changes in the likelihood of having a first birth by different levels of expected future childcare provision. Given that the role grandparents play varies depending on the national context, I estimate distinct models for different groups of countries. Furthermore, I analyze different intensities of grandparental childcare: regular, occasional, and any other type of positive childcare. The comparison across 11 countries reveals that grandparental propensity to provide occasional childcare has a positive effect on the transition to parenthood in all country clusters and that grandparental propensity to provide regular childcare has a positive and significant association with having a first child in both pro-natalist (Belgium and France) and pro-traditional countries (Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rutigliano
- Population Research Centre, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, Landleven, 1 -9747, Groningen, AD, the Netherlands.
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20
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Irby-Shasanmi A, Erving CL. Gender Differences in the Effects of Support Exchanges on Self-Esteem and Mastery for Mid- to Late-Life Adults. BASIC AND APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2020.1768393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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21
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Rosas C, Neri AL. Quality of life, burden, family emotional support: a model for older adults who are caregivers. Rev Bras Enferm 2020; 72:169-176. [PMID: 31826207 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between quality of life, sex, age, burden, and nature of emotional support available in the family in older adults who are caregivers of older relatives. METHOD Cross-sectional and correlational study on 148 caregivers gathered in public and private healthcare services, who were subjected to psychological measures of quality of life, burden, exchange of emotional support, sex, and age. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and path analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS A total of 77% women, average age of 69.7 years. There were significant associations between exchange of support and burden due to the provided assistance, being a woman and satisfaction with the received support, satisfaction with the received support and burden, burden and quality of life, and satisfaction with the received support and feeling of burden due to the provided support. CONCLUSION Satisfaction with the received emotional support moderate the association between sex and burden, and such moderate the association between satisfaction with emotional support and perceived quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Rosas
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Lee JE, Kim K, Cichy KE, Fingerman KL. Middle-Aged Children's Support for Parents-In-Law and Marital Satisfaction. Gerontology 2020; 66:340-350. [PMID: 32241016 PMCID: PMC10871550 DOI: 10.1159/000505589] [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: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the dissimilarity in midlife adults' reports of support they and their spouse provide to their parents-in-law, gender differences in these dissimilarity patterns, and implications of this dissimilarity for marital quality. Middle-aged married participants (n = 164, mean age = 53.96 years) from Wave 2 of the Family Exchanges Study reported on the support they and their spouse provided to at least 1 living parent-in-law. Regression models examined associations of marital satisfaction with support for parents-in-law, evaluations of support for parents-in-law, and spousal dissimilarity in support. Gender differences in own and spousal support for parents-in-law revealed matrilineal focused support among married adults. Spousal dissimilarity in support was negatively associated with marital satisfaction for middle-aged adults. This pattern suggests the importance of a perceived balance in supporting one's spouse's parents for marital quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Lee
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA,
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelly E Cichy
- School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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23
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Choi H, Schoeni RF, Wiemers EE, Hotz VJ, Seltzer JA. Spatial Distance between Parents and Adult Children in the United States. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2020; 82:822-840. [PMID: 33033415 PMCID: PMC7537569 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This brief report presents contemporary national estimates of the spatial distance between residences of parents and adult children in the United States, including distance to one's nearest parent and/or adult child and whether one lives near all of their parents and adult children. BACKGROUND The most recent national estimates of parent-child spatial proximity come from data for the early 1990s. Moreover, research has rarely assessed spatial clustering of all parents and adult children. METHOD Data are from the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics on residential locations of adults 25 and older and each of their parents and adult children. Two measures of spatial proximity were estimated: distance to nearest parent or adult child, and the share of adults who have all parents and/or adult children living nearby. Sociodemographic and geographic differences were examined for both measures. RESULTS Among adults with at least one living parent or adult child, a significant majority (74.8%) had their nearest parent or adult child within 30 miles, and about one third (35.5%) had all parents and adult children living that close. Spatial proximity differed substantially among sociodemographic groups, with those who were disadvantaged more likely to have their parents or adult children nearby. In most cases, sociodemographic disparities were much higher when spatial proximity was measured by proximity to all parents and all adult children instead of to nearest parent or nearest adult child. CONCLUSION Disparities in having all parents and/or adult children nearby may be a result of family solidarity and also may affect family solidarity. This report sets the stage for new investigations of the spatial dimension of family cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- HwaJung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, NCRC Building 14, GR109, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert F. Schoeni
- Institute for Social Research, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Department of Economics, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Emily E. Wiemers
- Department of Public Administration and International Affairs, Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, 320C Lyman Hall, Syracuse, New York
| | - V. Joseph Hotz
- Department of Economics, Duke University, 243 Social Sciences Building, 419 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Judith A. Seltzer
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, 264 Haines Hall, Box 951551, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, California
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24
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Cohen SA, Sabik NJ, Cook SK, Azzoli AB, Mendez-Luck CA. Differences within Differences: Gender Inequalities in Caregiving Intensity Vary by Race and Ethnicity in Informal Caregivers. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2020; 34:245-263. [PMID: 31407137 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-019-09381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Among the 50+ million informal caregivers in the US, substantial gender, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in caregiving intensity are well-documented. However, those disparities may be more nuanced: gender disparities in caregiving intensity may vary by race/ethnicity (White, Black, and Hispanic) and socioeconomic status (SES). We used data from the 2011 National Study of Caregiving and applied generalized linear models to estimate associations between three measures of caregiver intensity (ADLs, IADLs, and hours caregiving/month) and the three sociodemographic factors with their interaction terms. Black female caregivers provided significantly higher levels of care than White females and males for both IADL caregiving and hours/month spent caregiving. Black caregivers spent an average of 28.5 more hours/month (95%CI 1.7-45.2) caregiving than White caregivers. These findings highlight the need to understand the complex disparities within population subgroups and how intersections between gender, race/ethnicity, and SES can be used to develop effective policies to reduce disparities and improve caregiver quality-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Cohen
- Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
| | - Natalie J Sabik
- Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Sarah K Cook
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Carolyn A Mendez-Luck
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 401 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA
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25
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Huo M, Graham JL, Kim K, Birditt KS, Fingerman KL. Aging Parents' Daily Support Exchanges With Adult Children Suffering Problems. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020. [PMID: 28633505 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES When adult children incur life problems (e.g., divorce, job loss, health problems), aging parents generally report providing more frequent support and experiencing poorer well-being. Yet, it is unclear how adult children's problems may influence aging parents' daily support exchanges with these children or the parents' daily mood. METHODS Aging parents from the Family Exchanges Study Wave 2 (N = 207, Mage = 79.86) reported providing and receiving emotional support, practical support, and advice from each adult child each day for 7 days. Parents also rated daily positive and negative mood. RESULTS Multilevel models showed that aging parents were more likely to provide emotional and practical support to adult children incurring life problems than children not suffering problems. Parents were also more likely to receive emotional support and advice from these children with problems. Further, parents reported less negative mood on days when providing practical support to children with problems. DISCUSSION Examining daily support exchanges adds to our understanding of how children's problems influence parent-child ties in late life. Prior research suggests that children's problems upset parents. In this study, however, it appears that supporting adult children who suffer problems may alleviate aging parents' distress regarding such children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jamie L Graham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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26
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Leibbrand C, Gabriel R, Hess C, Crowder K. Is geography destiny? Disrupting the relationship between segregation and neighbohrood outcomes. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2020; 86:102396. [PMID: 32056562 PMCID: PMC7024700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2019.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Considerable research has shown that, in the cross-section, segregation is associated with detrimental neighborhood outcomes for blacks and improved neighborhood outcomes for whites. However, it is unclear whether early-life experiences of segregation shape later-life neighborhood outcomes, whether this association persists for those who migrate out of the metropolitan areas in which they grew up, and how these relationships differ for blacks and whites. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics from 1979 to 2013, we find that the level of segregation experienced during adolescence is associated with significantly worse neighborhood outcomes in adulthood for blacks. However, migrating out of the metropolitan area an individual grew up in substantially moderates these relationships. In contrast, adolescent segregation is associated with improved, or not significantly different, neighborhood outcomes in adulthood for whites. These findings have important implications for theorizing about the mechanisms linking segregation and neighborhood outcomes and for considering potential means of assuaging racial disparities in harmful neighborhood exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Leibbrand
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, 211 Savery Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Ryan Gabriel
- Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, 2033 JFSB, Provo, UT 84062, United States.
| | - Chris Hess
- Rutgers Univesity, Center for Urban Research Education and Department of Public Policy and Administration, 321 Cooper St. Room 201, Camden, NJ 08102, United States.
| | - Kyle Crowder
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, 225 Savery Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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27
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Furstenberg FF. Kinship Reconsidered: Research on a Neglected Topic. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2020; 82:364-382. [PMID: 34334811 PMCID: PMC8321395 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
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28
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Nel K, Board M. What is an older husband's experience of caring for his wife who has dementia? Nurs Older People 2019; 31:22-27. [PMID: 31691551 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2019.e1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A significant number of informal carers look after people who have dementia. Women's caring experiences are well documented. However, a substantially smaller amount of research exists specifically investigating the male carer perspective. This literature review explores older husbands' experiences of caring for their wives who have dementia. The findings suggest that husbands are committed to their caring role but can feel socially isolated. The caring role of older men has altered the dynamic in the marriage. Husbands continue to show commitment towards their spouses but feel that male-only support groups could offer some respite from their responsibilities. Nurses need to take time to listen to husbands' experiences, offering emotional support and signposting them to other services. Further research on the long-term effects and support needs of older male carers is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Nel
- Department of Nursing and Clinical Sciences, Bournemouth University, England
| | - Michele Board
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, England
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29
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Polenick CA, DePasquale N, Eggebeen DJ, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Relationship Quality Between Older Fathers and Middle-Aged Children: Associations With Both Parties' Subjective Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 73:1203-1213. [PMID: 27520060 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbw094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Relationships between fathers and their children are salient to both parties throughout the life course. Yet little is known about how these ties may affect well-being in later life. This study examined the implications of aging fathers' and middle-aged children's perceptions of father-child relationship quality for their own and the other party's well-being. Method Using a sample of 103 fathers (M = 77.88 years) and their children (M = 49.92 years) drawn from Wave 1 of the Family Exchanges Study, we estimated actor-partner interdependence models to evaluate associations between each party's perceptions of father-child relationship quality and their well-being. Results Fathers had elevated depressive symptoms when they reported more negative relationships with children. This association was exacerbated for fathers of daughters when daughters reported a highly negative relationship. Fathers had better self-rated health, however, when they reported more positive relationships with daughters. Children had elevated depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction when they reported more negative ties with fathers. Finally, sons had lower depressive symptoms when they reported more positive ties with fathers. Discussion Findings suggest that father-child relationship quality has significant implications for the well-being of both aging fathers and middle-aged daughters or sons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole DePasquale
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - David J Eggebeen
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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Pesando LM. Childlessness and upward intergenerational support: cross-national evidence from 11 European countries. AGEING & SOCIETY 2019; 39:1219-1254. [PMID: 31130759 PMCID: PMC6532053 DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x17001519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Childless individuals are often depicted as "selfish" as they opt out of raising children in favour of investing resources in themselves. Yet no research has investigated whether this claim holds in domains of social life such as intergenerational family support. Using data from the Generations and Gender Survey (GGS) for 11 European countries, this article examines differences between childless and non-childless individuals in the provision of financial, practical, and emotional transfers to their elderly parents. Results support the idea that the childless are more prone to providing upward support than individuals with children. Specifically, estimates from multivariate logistic regression and propensity score specifications suggest that, ceteris paribus, childless adults are about 20 to 40 per cent more likely to provide support to their parents, with the association driven by transfers to elderly mothers. These findings enrich the literature on childlessness and ageing, and support the view that researchers and policy makers should take into more consideration not only what childless people receive or need in old age, but also what they provide as middle-aged adults.
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Park SS, Wiemers EE, Seltzer JA. The Family Safety Net of Black and White Multigenerational Families. POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 2019; 45:351-378. [PMID: 31354178 PMCID: PMC6659735 DOI: 10.1111/padr.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
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32
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Leopold T, Skopek J. Retirement and Changes in Housework: A Panel Study of Dual Earner Couples. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 73:733-743. [PMID: 27663273 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbw121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine how transitions to retirement influenced the division of household labor in dual earner couples. We tested hypotheses about changes (a) between a couple's preretirement and postretirement stage and (b) across the transitional phase during which both spouses retired. Method We estimated fixed-effects models for the effects of the husband's and the wife's retirement on changes in their hours and share of routine housework. The data came from 29 waves of the German Socio-economic Panel Study, comprising N = 31,040 annual observations of N = 3,288 dual earner couples aged 45 to 75 years. Results Spouses who retired first performed more housework, whereas their partners who continued working performed less. This occurred irrespective of the retirement sequence. Husbands who retired first doubled up on their share of housework, but never performed more than 40% of a couple's total hours. None of the observed shifts were permanent. After both spouses had retired, couples reverted to their preretirement division of housework. Discussion Although the findings on changes after retirement support the time availability hypothesis, gender construction theories still take precedence in explaining the division of household labor over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leopold
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.,State Institute for Family Research at the University of Bamberg, Germany
| | - Jan Skopek
- Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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Wiemers EE, Seltzer JA, Schoeni RF, Hotz VJ, Bianchi SM. Stepfamily Structure and Transfers Between Generations in U.S. Families. Demography 2019; 56:229-260. [PMID: 30535653 PMCID: PMC6451773 DOI: 10.1007/s13524-018-0740-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Unstable couple relationships and high rates of repartnering have increased the share of U.S. families with stepkin. Yet data on stepfamily structure are from earlier periods, include only coresident stepkin, or cover only older adults. In this study, we use new data on family structure and transfers in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) to describe the prevalence and numbers of stepparents and stepchildren for adults of all ages and to characterize the relationship between having stepkin and transfers of time and money between generations, regardless of whether the kin live together. We find that having stepparents and stepchildren is very common among U.S. households, especially younger households. Furthermore, stepkin substantially increase the typical household's family size; stepparents and stepchildren increase a household's number of parents and adult children by nearly 40 % for married/cohabiting couples with living parents and children. However, having stepkin is associated with fewer transfers, particularly time transfers between married women and their stepparents and stepchildren. The increase in the number of family members due to stepkin is insufficient to compensate for the lower likelihood of transfers in stepfamilies. Our findings suggest that recent cohorts with more stepkin may give less time assistance to adult children and receive less time assistance from children in old age than prior generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Wiemers
- Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| | - Judith A Seltzer
- California Center for Population Research and Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Robert F Schoeni
- Institute for Social Research, Ford School of Public Policy, and Department of Economics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - V Joseph Hotz
- Duke Population Research Institute and Department of Economics, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Suzanne M Bianchi
- California Center for Population Research and Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Blieszner R, Ogletree AM, Adams RG. Friendship in Later Life: A Research Agenda. Innov Aging 2019; 3:igz005. [PMID: 30949589 PMCID: PMC6441127 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Friendship is a relationship that can endure across the entire lifespan, serving a vital role for sustaining social connectedness in late life when other relationships may become unavailable. This article begins with a description of the importance of studying friendship in late life and the benefits of friendship for older adults, pointing to the value of additional research for enhancing knowledge about this crucial bond. Next is discussion of theoretical approaches for conceptualizing friendship research, followed by identification of emerging areas of late-life friendship research and novel questions that investigators could explore fruitfully. We include a presentation of innovative research methods and existing national and international data sets that can advance late-life friendship research using large samples and cross-national comparisons. The final section advocates for development and assessment of interventions aimed at improving friendship and reducing social isolation among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca G Adams
- Gerontology Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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35
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Huo M, Graham JL, Kim K, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Aging Parents' Disabilities and Daily Support Exchanges With Middle-Aged Children. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:872-882. [PMID: 29029164 PMCID: PMC6137346 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Aging parents often incur disabilities in activities of daily living, which may limit their ability to give support and necessitate increased support from middle-aged children. Research has predominantly assessed disabled parents' retrospective reports of receiving support, but we know little about their daily support exchanges with middle-aged children. This study examined practical support, emotional support, and advice that aging parents with and without disabilities provided and received from middle-aged children, and links between these support exchanges and parents' daily mood. Research Design and Methods Aging parents (N = 202, Mage = 79.86) from the Family Exchanges Study II indicated their disabilities and background characteristics. They also reported daily exchanges of practical, emotional support, and advice with each middle-aged child and their daily mood for 7 days. Results Multilevel models revealed that aging parents suffering disabilities were equally likely to provide each type of support but more likely to receive practical support. Aging parents' disabilities seemed to buffer the effects of these support exchanges, such that parents with disabilities versus parents without disabilities reported less negative mood when providing practical support or emotional support, and more positive mood when receiving practical support. Discussion and Implications Exploring the role of aging parents' disabilities in their daily support exchanges with middle-aged children expands on the literature of late-life disabilities and parent-child ties. Despite increasing disabilities, aging parents continue to engage in support exchanges with middle-aged children in daily life and these parents appear to benefit from such involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huo
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jamie L Graham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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Donato KM, León-Pérez G, Wallston KA, Kripalani S. Something Old, Something New: When Gender Matters in the Relationship between Social Support and Health. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 59:352-370. [PMID: 30058378 PMCID: PMC6178235 DOI: 10.1177/0022146518789362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates how social support differentially benefits self-rated health among men and women hospitalized with heart disease. Using cross-sectional data about patients admitted to a university hospital, we examine the extent to which gender moderates effects for the frequency of contact with family, friends, and neighbors on health and whether these effects differ between those with new versus established diagnoses. We find that gender differentiates the effect of nonmarital family contact on health but only when heart disease is newly diagnosed. When newly diagnosed, more frequent contact with family is associated with better self-rated health for women but not men. Men and women with preexisting diagnoses benefit equally from more frequent contact with family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kenneth A. Wallston
- Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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37
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Polenick CA, Birditt KS, Zarit SH. Parental Support of Adult Children and Middle-Aged Couples' Marital Satisfaction. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:663-673. [PMID: 28977368 PMCID: PMC6044335 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Middle-aged adults commonly provide support to grown offspring. Yet little is known about how parental support may be related to parents' marital quality at midlife. This study explored couple patterns of support given to adult children and their implications for marital satisfaction. Research Design and Methods In a sample of 197 middle-aged couples from Wave 2 of the Family Exchanges Study, we estimated actor-partner interdependence models to evaluate the links between each spouse's reports of tangible and nontangible support given to adult children and their marital satisfaction. Results Wives and husbands were more satisfied with their marriage when they and their partner gave more frequent nontangible support to adult children. By contrast, wives and husbands were less satisfied with their marriage when they gave more frequent nontangible support to adult children and their partner gave low levels of this support. Discussion and Implications Findings shed light on the conditions under which support given to adult offspring may enhance or undermine marital quality. This study highlights the value of considering both individual and couple-level characteristics of parent-child relationships and their potential consequences for midlife couples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
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38
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Grundy E, Murphy M. Coresidence with a child and happiness among older widows in Europe: Does gender of the child matter? POPULATION, SPACE AND PLACE 2018; 24:e2102. [PMID: 29937701 PMCID: PMC5993242 DOI: 10.1002/psp.2102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Both coresidence patterns and the reported well-being of older people vary widely across Europe for a variety of economic, cultural, and historical factors. We investigate how far 2 indicators of well-being, happiness and life satisfaction, vary according to whether or not older women live with their children and, in particular, with son(s) or daughter(s). We compare outcomes for women who are unpartnered widows, the great majority of whom will have had children, so those with and without coresident children may be compared. We use data for 34 countries in Europe by combining 7 waves of the European Social Survey for the period 2002-2014 (N = 18,500). We control for a range of other variables known to be associated with well-being including health status, socioeconomic position, and social support. Results show that widows living with a child were happier than those living without a child (generally alone) but that in Eastern and Southern Europe it was only living with a daughter that had this positive effect. Older age was associated with higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Other associations, and regional differences, were as expected with lower levels of happiness in Eastern Europe and for those with poorer health and fewer social resources. These findings indicate the important influence of contextual factors on associations between living arrangements and the well-being of older people and a need for further work on possible negative impacts of living alone on the well-being of older Europeans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Grundy
- Institute for Social and Economic ResearchUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
- Department of Social PolicyLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
| | - Michael Murphy
- Department of Social PolicyLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
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39
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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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40
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Abstract
The "middle-age" life period has not been researched extensively and lacks a theoretical conceptualization. The present study explores subjective experiences of members of this age-group. This is a qualitative research, based on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, which looks into the life stories of 25 Israeli residents aged 48-64 years. The results indicate that the definition of middle age is not clear-cut, and some participants regard their age negatively. Yet, participants report that this period is characterized by a relief of tasks, broader choice opportunity, a sense of liberation, peace of mind, experience, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. Description of middle age as a peak in life, with concerns about future old age, came up repeatedly. Middle-aged individuals' difficulties to identify with their age-group and the social concept that dichotomizes age into young versus old are discussed. The article calls for further research of and engagement with middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pnina Dolberg
- 1 Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,2 Spitzer Department of Social Work, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Liat Ayalon
- 1 Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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41
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Williamson JA, O’Hara MW. Who Gets Social Support, Who Gives It, and How It’s Related to Recipient’s Mood. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2017; 43:1355-1377. [DOI: 10.1177/0146167217711936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We sought to identify personal characteristics associated with receiving and perceiving social support, and characteristics of support providers who give the most support and are perceived as the most available. In samples of students ( n = 755) and community adults ( n = 430), we found that people who were younger, female, more extraverted, more conscientious, and more open received and perceived more support. Female providers and romantic partners were associated with more support whereas coworkers were associated with less. In many cases, social support mediated associations between these characteristics and recipient mood. For instance, recipients reported they experience more positive mood and less negative mood when interacting with female providers. These associations were partly explained by increased received and perceived support from female providers. Notable differences emerged between received support and perceived support, and between the student and community samples. Implications for increasing support for poorly supported individuals are discussed.
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42
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Polenick CA, Seidel AJ, Birditt KS, Zarit SH, Fingerman KL. Filial Obligation and Marital Satisfaction in Middle-aged Couples. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 57:417-428. [PMID: 26613745 PMCID: PMC5881653 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study Although prior research suggests that high filial obligation has an adverse impact on psychological well-being, little is known about the implications of these beliefs for marital quality during midlife. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine dyadic associations between middle-aged husbands' and wives' filial obligation beliefs and their marital satisfaction. Design and Methods Using a sample of 132 middle-aged husbands (M = 51.45 years) and wives (M = 49.75 years) drawn from Wave 1 of the Family Exchanges Study, we tested actor-partner interdependence models to determine associations between husbands' and wives' filial obligation beliefs and marital satisfaction in both spouses. We also examined associations between spousal dissimilarity in filial obligation and marital satisfaction. Results Wives' greater filial obligation was associated with their own lower marital satisfaction. Conversely, husbands' greater filial obligation was associated with their own higher marital satisfaction. Greater spousal dissimilarity in filial obligation was associated with lower levels of marital satisfaction for husbands but not for wives. Implications Given that support provided to aging parents most often occurs within the context of marriage, findings highlight the importance of examining dyadic associations between filial obligation beliefs and marital quality among middle-aged couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Polenick
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Amber J Seidel
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State York
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
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Friedman EM, Park SS, Wiemers EE. New Estimates of the Sandwich Generation in the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 57:191-196. [PMID: 26672020 PMCID: PMC6075620 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study We use the Roster and Transfers Module in the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics to obtain the first estimates of the prevalence of transfers to adult children and parents for United States men and women aged 35-75. Design and Methods This article extends the current understanding of the sandwich generation by comparing recent transfers of time and money to parents and adult children for men and women and across ages between 35 and 75 years of age. Results Over 30% of individuals with living parents and adult children provide transfers to two generations. The prevalence of transfers does not differ by age and the differences between men and women are small, though statistically significant. Conditional on providing time transfers, women provide more hours of help than men, particularly to their adult children. The number of hours given to children exceeds the number given to parents. Implications These findings are the first to show that both men and women are likely to provide transfers to two generations and that transfers to two generations are common across adult ages. Our findings suggest a need to rethink the notion of the sandwich generation, which has focused on women in late middle age, to include men and women across younger and older ages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sung S Park
- Department of Sociology, California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles
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44
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Polenick CA, Zarit SH, Birditt KS, Bangerter LR, Seidel AJ, Fingerman KL. Intergenerational Support and Marital Satisfaction: Implications of Beliefs About Helping Aging Parents. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2017; 79:131-146. [PMID: 28154427 PMCID: PMC5279897 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Everyday support given to aging parents is a salient aspect of married life that may have implications for marital quality. Among 132 middle-aged couples drawn from Wave 1 of the Family Exchanges Study, we examined the moderating effects of each spouse's normative and motivational beliefs about helping parents on associations between the frequency of everyday support that wives and husbands gave to their own parents and marital satisfaction. Husbands' more frequent provision of support was linked to wives' greater marital satisfaction when reports of personal rewards linked to helping parents were high for wives or low for husbands. Conversely, wives' more frequent provision of support was linked to husbands' lower marital satisfaction when reports of filial obligation were low for husbands or high for wives. Findings highlight the interdependence within couples, and indicate that both spouses' perceptions are important in understanding linkages between intergenerational support and marital satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Polenick
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University,
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University,
| | | | - Lauren R Bangerter
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University,
| | - Amber J Seidel
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State York,
| | - Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin,
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45
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Zeng Y, Brasher MS, Gu D, Vaupel JW. Older Parents Benefit More in Health Outcome From Daughters' Than Sons' Emotional Care in China. J Aging Health 2016; 28:1426-1447. [PMID: 26746225 PMCID: PMC5947966 DOI: 10.1177/0898264315620591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether older parents in China would benefit more from daughters' care than from sons' emotional care. METHOD Analysis of the unique data sets of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted in 2002, 2005, and 2008-2009 in 22 provinces. RESULTS As compared with having son(s), having daughter(s) is significantly more beneficial at older ages in China, with regard to maintaining higher cognitive capacity and reducing mortality risk. Such daughter advantages in providing emotional care to older parents are more profound among the oldest-old aged 80+ as compared with the young-old aged 65 to 79 and surprisingly more profound in rural areas as compared with urban areas, even though son preference is much more common among rural residents. DISCUSSION We describe how educational campaigns aimed at informing the public about the benefits of daughter(s) for older parents' health outcome could help promote gender equality and reduce traditional son preference, especially in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zeng
- Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Danan Gu
- United Nations Population Division, New York City, NY, USA
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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Taylor RJ, Mouzon DM, Nguyen AW, Chatters LM. Reciprocal Family, Friendship and Church Support Networks of African Americans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life. RACE AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS 2016; 8:326-339. [PMID: 27942269 PMCID: PMC5142742 DOI: 10.1007/s12552-016-9186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This study examined reciprocal support networks involving extended family, friends and church members among African Americans. Our analysis examined specific patterns of reciprocal support (i.e., received only, gave only, both gave and received, neither gave or received), as well as network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) as correlates of reciprocal support. The analysis is based on the African American sub-sample of the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Overall, our findings indicate that African Americans are very involved in reciprocal support networks with their extended family, friends and church members. Respondents were most extensively involved in reciprocal supports with extended family members, followed closely by friends and church networks. Network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) were significantly and consistently associated with involvement with reciprocal support exchanges for all three networks. These and other findings are discussed in detail. This study complements previous work on the complementary roles of family, friend and congregational support networks, as well as studies of racial differences in informal support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
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47
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Resource and Strategic Mobilization Model (RSM) of Productive Aging: Examining Older Americans’ Participation in Various Productive Activities. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12126-016-9259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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48
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Strombach T, Margittai Z, Gorczyca B, Kalenscher T. Gender-Specific Effects of Cognitive Load on Social Discounting. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165289. [PMID: 27788192 PMCID: PMC5082848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We live busy, social lives, and meeting the challenges of our complex environments puts strain on our cognitive systems. However, cognitive resources are limited. It is unclear how cognitive load affects social decision making. Previous findings on the effects of cognitive load on other-regarding preferences have been ambiguous, allowing no coherent opinion whether cognitive load increases, decreases or does not affect prosocial considerations. Here, we suggest that social distance between individuals modulates whether generosity towards a recipient increases or decreases under cognitive load conditions. Participants played a financial social discounting task with several recipients at variable social distance levels. In this task, they could choose between generous alternatives, yielding medium financial rewards for the participant and recipient at variable social distances, or between a selfish alternative, yielding larger rewards for the participant alone. We show that the social discount function of male participants was significantly flattened under high cognitive load conditions, suggesting they distinguished less between socially close and socially distant recipients. Unexpectedly, the cognitive-load effect on social discounting was gender-specific: while social discounting was strongly dependent on cognitive load in men, women were nearly unaffected by cognitive load manipulations. We suggest that cognitive load leads men, but not women to simplify the decision problem by neglecting the social distance information. We consider our study a good starting point for further experiments exploring the role of gender in prosocial choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Strombach
- Comparative Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zsofia Margittai
- Comparative Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Barbara Gorczyca
- Comparative Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Kalenscher
- Comparative Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Reczek C, Umberson D. Greedy Spouse, Needy Parent: The Marital Dynamics of Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Intergenerational Caregivers. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2016; 78:957-974. [PMID: 27672229 PMCID: PMC5034933 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that married heterosexual women do more intergenerational caregiving for aging parents and parents-in-law than married heterosexual men do. However, gay men and lesbian women's recent access to marriage presents new questions about the gendered marital dynamics of intergenerational caregiving. We use dyadic data with gay, lesbian, and heterosexual spouses to examine the marital dynamics of intergenerational caregivers. Results show that gay and lesbian spouses provided intensive time and emotional support for an intergenerational caregiver. In contrast, heterosexual women described their intergenerational caregiving as rarely supported and at times even undermined by their spouse. Dyadic data on heterosexual men corroborate women's accounts; heterosexual men rarely reported providing intergenerational caregiving, and thus heterosexual women rarely described providing spousal support. These findings provide new insight into the intermingled roles of "greedy" marriages and "needy" parents, wherein marital negotiations around caregiving vary by gender for gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marital dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Reczek
- Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, 164 Townshend Hall, 1885 Neil Avenue Mall, Columbus, OH 43210 ( )
| | - Debra Umberson
- Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, 164 Townshend Hall, 1885 Neil Avenue Mall, Columbus, OH 43210 ( )
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Abstract
Spouses often serve as the primary caregivers to their ill or disabled partners. Studies have shown that men receive more care from their wives than vice versa, but few studies have focused on how the gender gap in care varies across the later life course. Drawing on data from the Health and Retirement Study, this study examined the moderating effects of age, gender, and full-time employment on married women's and men's receipt of spousal care. This study found that among community-dwelling married adults, the gender gap in care was larger among those in middle age (50-65) than it was among those in older age. As women and men aged, the gender gap decreased primarily because men left full-time work and increased the amount of time that they spent caring for their wives. As gender differences in full-time employment narrowed, the gender gap in spousal care narrowed.
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