Family Relationship Histories, Intergenerational Relationship Quality, and Depressive Affect among Rural Elderly People

摘要

Based on a sample of matched adult children and aging parents in the rural Mid¬west, this study examined the effects of family relationship history on depressive symptoms among elderly parents. The study used reports from both adult chil¬dren and aging parents regarding intergenerational affectional solidarity and re¬lationship strain. Aging parents reported levels of depressed affect. Adult chil¬dren’s recalled early relationships with their parents were associated with elderly parents’ reports of depressed affect through the effects of early family relation¬ships on contemporary relationships. Reports of early relationships and contem¬porary relationships were separated by 5 years. It is suggested that family rela¬tionship characteristics persist across time and that family relationship patterns affect the abilities of family members to negotiate support for elderly parents.