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Adult Children’s Supportive Behaviors and Older Parents’ Subjective Well–Being—A Developmental Perspective on Intergenerational Relationships
Author(s) -
Lang Frieder R.,
Schütze Yvonne
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1540-4560
pISSN - 0022-4537
DOI - 10.1111/1540-4560.00283
Subject(s) - socioemotional selectivity theory , psychology , autonomy , affection , developmental psychology , perspective (graphical) , social support , german , friendship , social psychology , artificial intelligence , computer science , archaeology , political science , law , history
Adult children’s supportive behaviors were examined with respect to children’s autonomy and social motivation towards parents, and with respect to longitudinal changes of parents’ subjective well–being. In total, 115 adult children from 83 German families completed a questionnaire on supportive behaviors and social motivation. The children also reported what pleased or irritated their parents most. Findings suggest that filial autonomy was associated with resistance to strain. Older parents’ satisfaction improved when children expressed affection or gave emotional support. However, informational support from children was associated with decreased satisfaction among parents. Findings suggest that filial autonomy may facilitate supportive behaviors that correspond to older parents’ socioemotional needs.