Diversity and dynamics in the late-life mother-daughter relationships
APA Citation:
Blieszner, R., Usita, P. M., & Mancini, J. A. (1996). Diversity and dynamics in late-life mother–daughter relationships. In K. A. Roberto (Ed.) , Relationships Between Women in Later Life (pp. 5-24). New York, NY: Harrington Park Press/Haworth Press.
Focus:
Parents
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Authors:
Blieszner, Rosemary, Usita, Paula M., Mancini, Jay A.
Abstract:
This study employed gerontological and feminist frameworks in an investigation of normative late-life mother-daughter relationships. Building on previous research, the study used data from a representative sample of 196 older mothers (average age = 73 years) to explore in-depth the predictors of relationship quality and the satisfactions and complaints prevalent in relationships with mothers in later life. Structured interview data revealed that the intimacy dimension of relationship quality is influenced by contact satisfaction, past conflict, control issues, and amount of discretionary contact whereas the antagonism dimension is affected by present conflict, control issues, and mother's education. Analysis of semistructured interview data showed that elements of companionship, cohesion, and conflict underscore perceptions of relationship quality. The discussion and conclusion locate the findings within the gerontology-feminist literature and provide implications for researchers and practitioners.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Haworth Press
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Department of Family & Child Development, RB
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Department of Family & Child Development, PMU
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Department of Family & Child Development, JAM
Keywords:
gerontological perspective, feminist perspective, relationship quality, relationship satisfaction, relationship complaints, 61–97 year old mothers, 22–74 yr old daughters