Intergenerational Interaction Research Articles

A biomarker of brain arousal mediates the intergenerational link between maternal and child post-traumatic stress disorder

This study examined whether there is a biological basis in the child’s resting brain activity for the intergenerational link between maternal interpersonal violence-related posttraumatic stress disorder (IPV-PTSD) and child subclinical symptoms. We used high-density EEG recordings to investigate the resting brain activity in a sample of 57 children, 34 from mothers with IPV-PTSD, and 23 from mothers without PTSD. These children were part of a prospective, longitudinal study focusing on the offspring of mothers with and without IPV-PTSD, reporting how the severity of a mother’s IPV-PTSD can impact her child’s emotional regulation and risk for developing mental illness. However, we had not yet looked into potential EEG biomarkers during resting state that might mediate and/or moderate effects of maternal IPV-PTSD severity on child mental health, and in particular the risk for PTSD. The alpha band spectral power as well as the aperiodic exponent of the power spectrum (PLE; power-law exponent) were examined as mediators of maternal IPV-PTSD and child PTSD.While there was no difference in alpha spectral power between the two groups, PLE was significantly reduced in children of mothers with IPV-PTSD compared to control children, indicating cortical hyper-arousal. Interestingly, child PLE was negatively correlated with the severity of maternal IPV-PTSD, suggesting an intergenerational interaction. This interpretation was reinforced by a negative correlation between child PLE and child PTSD symptoms. Finally, causal analyses using structural equation modelling indicated that child PLE mediated the relationship between maternal PTSD severity and child PTSD. Our observations suggest that maternal IPV-PTSD has an intergenerational impact on the child neurobehavioral development through a correlated abnormal marker of brain arousal (i.e. child PLE). These findings are potentially relevant to psychotherapy research and to the development of more effective psycho-neurobehavioral therapies (i.e. neurofeedback) among affected individuals.

Robot-Mediated Intergenerational Childcare: Experimental Study Based on Health-Screening Task in Nursery School

Intergenerational interactions between children and older adults are gaining broader recognition because of their mutual benefits. However, such interactions face practical limitations owing to potential disease transmission and the poor health of older adults for face-to-face interactions. This study explores robot-mediated interactions as a potential solution to address these issues. In this study, older adults remotely controlled a social robot to perform a health-screening task for nursery school children, thereby overcoming the problems associated with face-to-face interactions while engaging in physical interactions. The results of this study suggested that the children responded favorably to the robot, and the rate of positive response increased over time. Older adults also found the task generally manageable and experienced a significant positive shift in their attitude toward children. These findings suggest that robot-mediated interactions can effectively facilitate intergenerational engagement and provide psychosocial benefits to both the parties to the engagement. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of robot-mediated interactions in childcare and other similar settings.

Взаимосвязь поколений в становлении ценностных систем обучающихся

В статье выделены риски, связанные с глобальной трансформацией мирового сообщества, приводящие к изменению ценностных систем и разрушению механизма преемственности опыта поколений. Автор отмечает, что сегодня в систему подготовки молодого поколения к жизни через коммуникативные провокации и технологии навязывания в Интернете ложных ценностей, все больше проникает неблагоприятный контент идеологии глобализма, ложного либерализма, экстремизма и неофашизма. Этот процесс способствует системному сбою в ключевом смысловом контексте образования и воспитания личности в целом. Автор размышляет о причинах и обозначает реальные возможности противостояния деструктивной идеологии и тревожным вызовам современного мира, через организацию воспитательной работы с подрастающими поколениями, формируя духовно-нравственные установки личности с учетом ориентации на фундаментальные знания и традиционные ценности. Традиционные ценности вбирают в себя все лучшее в духовной практике и реальной жизни человеческого сообщества, выступают основой стабильности, взаимодействия и взаимопонимания поколений, фундаментом развития межпоколенческих связей и, что особенно важно, созидательных взаимосвязей народов и культур. Исследование подтвердило, что именно механизм передачи опыта поколений, механизм преемственности и межпоколенческого взаимодействия является одним из ключевых механизмов налаживания смыслового и ценностного пространства целеполагания в воспитании личности сегодня. The article highlights the risks associated with the global transformation of the world community, leading to changes in value systems and the destruction of the mechanism of continuity of generational experience. The author notes that today in the system of preparing the young generation for life through communicative provocations and technologies of imposing false values on the Internet, the unfavorable content of the ideology of globalism, false liberalism, extremism and neo-fascism is increasingly penetrating. This process contributes to a systemic failure in the key semantic context of education and upbringing of the individual as a whole. The author reflects on the causes and identifies real opportunities to counter destructive ideology and alarming challenges of the modern world, through the organization of educational work with younger generations, forming the spiritual and moral attitudes of the individual, taking into account the orientation on fundamental knowledge and traditional values. Traditional values absorb all the best in the spiritual practice and real life of the human community, act as a basis for stability, interaction and mutual understanding of generations, the foundation for the development of intergenerational ties and, most importantly, creative interrelations of peoples and cultures. The study confirmed that it is the mechanism of transmission of generational experience, the mechanism of continuity and intergenerational interaction is one of the key mechanisms for establishing the meaning and value space of goal-setting in the education of personality today.

The Impact of Long-Term Care Insurance on Intergenerational Interaction Behavior Change in China

The Impact of Long-Term Care Insurance on Intergenerational Interaction Behavior Change in China

The contributions of grandparents to preadolescent grandchildren's social skills in rural Malaysia.

This study aimed to generate localized knowledge by investigating the perceptions and experiences of preadolescent grandchildren and grandparents regarding grandparenting and intergenerational interactions and how these processes were related to the social skills of preadolescents from three ethnic groups in Malaysia. Using a concurrent quantitative-qualitative mixed method research design, Chinese, Malay, and Indian preadolescents (N = 465; ages 9-12 years old; M = 10.27 years; SD = 1.03) from rural areas in Malaysia completed a self-administered quantitative survey; furthermore, 25 grandparents participated in one-on-one interviews. Survey findings showed that preadolescent grandchildren who reported higher grandparental warmth and support had greater social skills, mediated by positive grandparent-grandchildren (GP-GC) relationships. The GP-GC relationship and preadolescent social skills association was stronger for skipped generation compared to three-generation households. Interview findings revealed that grandparents expressed unconditional love and autonomy support in their grandparenting roles by guiding and encouraging their preadolescent grandchildren to make decisions. The GP-GC interactions served as a dynamic force in promoting preadolescents' social skills. By employing a decolonized approach and drawing on the lived experiences of grandparents from three ethnic backgrounds in rural Malaysia, the study provided an understanding of grandparenting practices and their general implications across the three ethnic groups. The interview responses highlighted both commonalities and specificities in grandparenting practices and relationship dynamics shaped by religious, class, and sociocultural dimensions in rural Malaysia.

The Effect of an Intergenerational Interaction Program on the Life Satisfaction, Social Support and Loneliness of the Elderly

The Effect of an Intergenerational Interaction Program on the Life Satisfaction, Social Support and Loneliness of the Elderly

Is matching or discrepancy between filial piety expectation and filial support better? The role of filial support of children and social support.

Filial piety in traditional Chinese culture is an essential variable in explaining intergenerational interaction. However, previous studies have not clarified whether older adults' filial responsibility expectations matched children's filial support and the effects of the filial discrepancy on their life satisfaction and loneliness. The latent profile analysis showed that older adults were divided into two groups: (1) high expectations and support, and (2) low expectations and support. The results showed that compared with older adults with low expectations and low support, those with high expectations and high support reported higher life satisfaction and lower loneliness. Additionally, social support played a moderating role in the effect of the groups of older adults on life satisfaction and loneliness. Our conclusion shows that filial support is an essential factor influencing older adult life satisfaction and loneliness, and social support is an effective supplement to filial support.

Analysis of the chain mediation effect between intergenerational support and mental health of older adults in urban China: a structural equation model.

This study aimed investigate the impact of intergenerational support on the mental health of older adults in urban China. It also sought to evaluate the chain mediation effect of attitudes toward younger people and willingness to interact with younger people within a non-familial context between intergenerational support and mental health. Data were derived from a community survey that adopted quota sampling in mainland China in 2022 (N = 780). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and the bootstrap technique was used to test the mediation effect. A significant positive association was found between intergenerational support and the mental health of older adults in urban China (B = 0.852, 95% confidence interval CI [0.157,1.617]). Intergenerational support had a specific indirect effect on mental health through older adults' attitudes toward younger people within a non-familial context (B = 0.665, 95% CI [0.443,1.046]). There was a chain mediation effect (B = 0.126, 95% CI [0.069,0.224]) in relation to attitudes toward younger people and the willingness to interact with younger people between intergenerational support and mental health. Mediation accounted for 44.44% of the total effects in the model. These findings help identify modifiable factors that can improve the mental health of older adults. In line with the proposed serial multiple mediation model, this study provides theoretical and practical insights concerning the synergistic effect of intergenerational support at the family level and intergenerational interaction at the community level. Policy and social service implications are also discussed.

THE “CANCEL CULTURE” PHENOMENON IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION

The object of the study is intergenerational interaction in the digital era. The relevance of the study is due to the influence of the digitalization processes of modern society and the instability of the value-normative system of various social groups differentiated by age. The work analyzes the attitude towards the values shared by the older generation of the Russian Federation in the era of digitalization in a new phenomenon of «cancel culture» context. Based on the study of the «cancel culture» concept through the most resonant examples of Western and domestic cultures an attempt is made to rethink intergenerational relationships within the modern social changes framework. The study demonstrates changing attitudes towards Russian culture in the West as well as a change in views on values in the latest political, cultural and social realities context. Changes are also taking place in the relationship between older and younger (digital) generations. The phenomenon of «cancel culture» borrowed from Western cultures significantly influences the attitude of other states to foundations of historical memory through attempts to devalue the achievements and values of previous generations and «cancel» them. It has been established that in the transformations of modern society context, its digitalization, it is necessary to strengthen the interaction of generations and prevent the «cancellation» of the values of the older generation strengthening the national culture traditions. This study has practical significance and can be used for social work with young people, the elderly, and for the formation of social policy, for the prevention of the breakdown of intergenerational ties.

Intergenerational Interaction, Financial Well-Being, and Ageism in Kazakhstan During Covid Pandemic

ABSTRACT As the age of a population increases, different problems arise in a society, which inevitably leads to ageism. The introduction of extraordinary measures to protect the older adults during COVID-19 further exacerbated the complexity of ageism and led to worsened financial well-being for households. This study aims to determine the financial and other factors associated with different ageist attitudes. 286 respondents from Kazakhstan participated in the online study, and the hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated a strong relationship between economic status and ageist behaviors. Moreover, COVID was positively associated with unfavorable ageist attitudes, whereas experience with older people reduces negative perceptions toward older people. Contribution: The results add new evidence to the intergenerational research that investigated ageism triggers. It suggests that financial well-being is one of the main components of negative ageist behavior, while it does not have an impact on positive one.

Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions

BackgroundThe establishment of sustainable connections between medical professionals and rural citizens is pivotal for effective community healthcare. Our study focuses on understanding and resolving health problems arising from social isolation, a critical barrier to achieving this goal, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic's impact on community dynamics respecting social cognitive theory. This study investigates the link between social isolation and rural community healthcare. We aim to develop methods that improve interaction and collaboration between healthcare providers and rural communities, ultimately enhancing the region's healthcare system.MethodsEmploying thematic analysis based on social cognitive theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 57 community workers in rural communities. This qualitative approach enabled us to delve into the nuances of social isolation and its multifaceted impact on health and community well-being.ResultsOur analysis revealed four key themes: the impact of aging on social dynamics, shifts in community relationships, unique aspects of rural community networking, and the role of these networks in driving community health. Notably, we identified specific challenges, such as the erosion of intergenerational interactions and the hesitancy to seek support, exacerbated by social isolation and negatively impacting community health.ConclusionsOur study reveals the complex factors affecting rural community sustainability, particularly social isolation influenced by privacy concerns and changing social dynamics. Emphasizing the importance of social cognitive theory, it highlights the need for adaptable healthcare systems and strong community-medical collaborations. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive, practical strategies for enhancing these collaborations, especially involving physicians, to address rural communities' unique challenges.

Interactions Between Generations in Digital Literacy Education: A Case of Millennial Families in Suli, Central Maluku

This article addresses the issue of digital literacy as an essential basic need, yet there are still significant disparities in technology access and low digital literacy prevalent. To this end, the article explores the intergenerational interaction in digital literacy education among millennial families in Negeri Suli, Central Maluku. The aim of this research is to describe the patterns of intergenerational interaction in the context of digital literacy. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies from 10 millennial families in Negeri Suli. The primary informants involved 10 family members, as well as the King who serves as the village head, traditional leader, Saniri, and a teacher at SD XX school. The findings indicate that intergenerational interaction in digital literacy education encompasses imparting digital technology knowledge and skills to both the Z generations and baby boomers generations. This enables them to support previous generations in facing the digital era and strengthens intergenerational communication. The effectiveness of digital literacy education in schools was found through experiential-based teaching approaches and curriculum integration, successfully reducing generational gaps. Moreover, digital literacy is recognized as a crucial component in UNESCO's long-term plan for the future of education. Through digital literacy campaigns, family members are empowered to enhance their analytical abilities in leveraging digital technology optimally.

Grandmother effects over the Finnish demographic transition.

Demographic transitions are defining events for human societies, marking shifts from natural mortality and fertility rates to the low rates seen in industrialised populations. These transitions can affect trait evolution through altering the direction and strength of selection when variance in fertility and mortality decline. One key feature of human evolution is the evolution of extended post-reproductive life through indirect fitness benefits from grandmothering. Although studies in pre- and post-transition societies have documented beneficial grandmother presence, it remains unknown whether these associations changed before, during, or after the transition. Here, we use genealogical data from eighteenth- to twientieth-century Finland to show grandmother-associated changes of two measures of evolutionary fitness (grandchild survival and birth rate) over the transition. We find that grandmothers had greater opportunity to help as the transition progressed, but their effect on grandchild survival declined alongside general mortality rates, implying that selection on lifespan from grandmothering declined too. Whilst grandmother presence was still associated with reduced birth intervals and hence more grandchildren born post-transition, the nature of this relationship changed greatly. This suggests that although potential for intergenerational interactions increased over the demographic transition, the (hypothesised) evolutionary importance of these interactions declined, which reduced selection for extended post-reproductive lifespan.

Intergenerational Interactions as a Factor of Preservation of Demographic Behavior

Intergenerational Interactions as a Factor of Preservation of Demographic Behavior

Exploring Intergenerational Interactions Through an Online Storytelling Experience

Intergenerational games to be played by grandparents and their grandchildren can be mutually beneficial for both age groups: breaking with age stereotypes, linking the learning and leisure needs of both generations and encouraging communication, solidarity, and social connectedness between generations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to switch from co-located physical intergenerational play to online experiences. This type of experience, in which grandparents connect from their own houses to participate, represents a challenge in terms of recruiting participants and carrying out the online sessions, due to grandparents' technological insecurities and their reluctance to play videogames. Besides, intergenerational games have to be carefully designed to promote symmetrical interactions, fun and engagement on the part of both age groups as well as to develop easy to use interfaces. In this work, we present an online storytelling game designed to be played by family teams formed by grandparents and their grandchildren. The guidelines followed, the assessment tools designed to evaluate the intergenerational dynamics and the emotions that arise during the experience are also presented. Results of the three online sessions carried out are presented and discussed.

“Let’s Just Forget It!”

Abstract Using recorded interactions between nursing home residents and care staff, this study demonstrates interactional strategies of younger recreation workers during a weekly recreational activity named Tea Time Talk that serves to reduce generational as well as epistemic gaps with the residents. This study focuses on how older residents’ reference to memory loss or forgetfulness is deindividuated and trivialized by humorously framing it as something the participants can forget together. I will claim that such intergenerational interactions on a regular basis help create solidarity between the residents and nursing home staff, as well as maintain dignity of and respect towards the older residents who often experience a sense of exclusion from the ‘here and now’ which affects their life satisfaction at the end-of-life stage.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKFORCE: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER WORKERS AND RETIREES

Abstract Workforce diversity can be a major asset for personal, interpersonal, and economic development. Age diversity is prevalent with five generations currently represented in the workforce. Intergenerational tension is common, however, largely fueled by stereotypes centered on age and generation that can infiltrate all workplace processes. Working from the Age-Friendly University framework, our aim was to gather qualitative data to inform the development of a training program for college students, pairing information on age-related bias with opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchange to mimic workplace interactions. We hosted three community-based focus groups with adults ranging from 60-69 years of age who were either currently employed or recently retired (N = 10) to discuss their intergenerational interactions in the workplace. Participants had an average of 41.06 years of work experience and worked across multiple industries, most commonly administrative work, food services, government, and healthcare. The most common theme reported was the dismissal of participants’ work experience by their younger colleagues, which some equated to a lack of respect due to their age, and others painted as a breakdown in communication. Technology was highlighted as exasperating intergenerational tensions. Participants also reported that younger colleagues often approached them for general life advice, which helped to reduce tensions. The willingness to see the value of older adults’ wisdom in general, but not specific to the work at hand, has implications for the content and structure of future career-readiness training programs. Recommendations for enhancing positive intergenerational exchanges and reducing generational tensions within the workplace will be discussed.

BUILDING BRIDGES TO BETTER INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract Intergenerational relationships are necessary to prepare the workforce for careers in the field of gerontology. Intergenerational interaction and reflection have been shown to result in valuable skills, such as positive attitudes toward older adults, increased knowledge of aging and needs of older adults, genuine relationships with older adults and a greater appreciation for older generations, greater comfort with the idea of themselves aging, and high satisfaction when embedded into course curriculum. Intergenerational contact in the structure of undergraduate courses also has reciprocal benefits, such as recognizing commonalities, building appreciation and trust, and creating a sense of belonging between generations that can be lasting. Building on empirical evidence, an intensive three-week intergenerational relationships course for first year students using intentional integration with general education goals, while also training students in basic understanding of aging is described here. Students collaborated with the college’s Academy of Senior Professionals, a unique community of retired older adults engaged in lifelong learning, to develop a college-wide intergenerational event. Considerations, outcomes, and lessons learned will be reviewed.

ENGAGING STRATEGIES IN CLASSES, COMMUNITIES, AND RESEARCH

Abstract Educators can use community engaged learning (CEL), also known as service learning, to empower all ages, bridging both college students and older adults needs. With the wrong approach, service just attached to a course may reinforce negative stereotypes. To assure best practice, educators benefit from CEL competencies to promote positive learning and avoid reinforcing ageism. Competencies, based on a community-engaged taxonomy, include: Reciprocal partnerships, Diversity of interactions and dialogue,​ Community activities, Civic competencies, Critical reflection, and Assessment (Rathlef, 2022; Kecskes, 2015). A complete explanation of each competency will be explained and illustrated. Using the competencies as a framework, two specific programs with college students and older adults were evaluated using both formative and summative measures. One program, a virtual intergenerational interaction, lasted seven weeks. The second program, an in-person program at the University’s equestrian and nature center, spanned five weeks. Pre and post comparisons of civic learning outcomes using CLEO, written reflections, focus group discussion, and partner perspectives were analyzed. Older adults reported some improvement in social interaction and companionship with some expansion in social networks. Students significantly improved civic knowledge outcomes. The students’ written reflections revealed a self-reported change in attitude toward older adults. Students also expressed a shift in their perceptions of future work in a health setting with older adults. Community-engaged learning can empower all ages, but an educator’s attention to the competencies supporting best practice can make a significant difference to the outcome of these efforts.

“IT’S NOT THE DESTINATION BUT THE JOURNEY”: PERSPECTIVES AND ADVICE ON WISDOM

Abstract While wisdom has been a common topic of contemplation for hundreds of years, a common theme in the wisdom literature relates to how wisdom is acquired through experiences. However, others have found that it can also be developed through individual factors, such as cognition, emotional intelligence, and personality, and cultivated through social interactions and self-reflection. Older adults have more experience than those of any other generation, giving them the time to develop the individual factors associated with wisdom and the skills to cultivate it. Given their unique social position, older adults are thus most qualified to share wisdom. In attempts to capitalize on the wisdom of older adults, the study uses survey data from adults aged 55 and better to examine how older adults characterize wisdom, it’s association with age, and how it can be achieved. Data was collected using surveys administered through the Survey Monkey Platform and the Mather Institute Research Panel. Findings indicate that most older adults believe that wisdom increases with age. They further believe that wise individuals accept their limitations, are realists, have developed strong relationships with others, and seem in control of their lives. Older adults believe that wisdom can primarily be achieved by making mistakes, interacting with people who are different, experiencing adversity, and trying new things. Understanding the ways in which older adults perceive wisdom can be used to enhance intergenerational interactions that are mutually beneficial.