Intergenerational Relationships Research Articles

Non-coresidential intergenerational relations from the perspective of adult children in China: typology and social welfare implications

The social changes in the new century and the shifting concept of filial piety have jointly shaped the unique intergenerational relationships in China. Intergenerational relationships are closely connected to arrangements for care of the older adults, particularly those who live alone. Based on data from the 2017 China General Social Survey (CGSS), the latent profile analysis method was used to explore the profiles of intergenerational family relationships and their influencing factors in the context of “non-co-residence” based on the five dimensions of intergenerational solidarity theory and related indicators. The study found that family intergenerational relationships can be categorised into five profiles: distant-emotional, proximity-detached, proximity-loose, distant-support, and traditional-reciprocal, which share commonalities with previous studies and have their own characteristics. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that gender, education level, annual personal income for the previous year, self-rated happiness, and self-rated health had significant effects on the latent profiles of intergenerational relationships. Specifically, adult children who are male, living in a rural area, no legal spouse, a primary school education or less, an annual income above 50,001 RMB in the last year (2016), low or average self-rated happiness, and good self-rated health are more likely to deviate from the traditional filial support track (i.e. they are less likely to be the traditional-reciprocal) than their counterparts in these profiles. In the future, it will be important to increase attention to those families in which older parent live apart from their adult child through relevant legislation, social welfare systems, and social older-care services. This will help ensure that adult children provide intergenerational support and will enable the normal functioning of home- and community-based older adults’ care.

Complete Plastomes of Ten Rorippa Species (Brassicaceae): Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships

The genus Rorippa belongs to the family Brassicaceae, and its members usually have high medicinal value. The genus consists of approximately 75 species and mainly grows in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in every continent except Antarctica. The taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of Rorippa are still unsettled, largely due to complex morphological variations in Rorippa, which were caused by frequent hybridization events. Here, we sequenced four complete plastid genomes of Rorippa species by Illumina paired-end sequencing. The four new plastid genomes of Rorippa ranged in total size from 154,671 bp for R. palustris to 154,894 bp for R. sylvestris. There are 130 genes in the four plastomes, embodying 8 rRNA, 37 tRNA, and 85 protein-coding genes. Combining with six published plastid genomes, we carried on comparative and phylogenetic analyses. We found that the ten Rorippa plastid genomes were conservative in gene number and order, total size, genomic structure, codon usage, long repeat sequence, and SSR. Fourteen mutational hotspot regions could be selected as candidate DNA barcoding to distinguish Rorippa plants. The phylogenetic trees clearly identified that ten Rorippa species displayed monophyletic relationships within the tribe Cardamineae based on plastomes and nrDNA ITS sequences. However, there are significant cytonuclear discordances in the interspecific relationships within Rorippa, as well as the intergeneric relationships between Rorippa and its related genera. We inferred that the cytonuclear discordance is most likely a result of interspecific hybridization within Rorippa, as well as intergeneric hybridization with its related genera. These plastid genomes can offer precious information for studies of species authentication, evolutionary history, and the phylogeny of Rorippa.

Let us move forward: Comment on “are generations a useful concept?”

Generational labels (e.g., Millennials and Baby Boomers) are widely used in daily life to represent the unique characteristics of groups of people. However, the existence of generational differences remains contentious. In their focal paper, Costanza et al. (2023) critically reviewed the literature on generational differences and proposed two future research directions: the social constructionist and lifespan development perspectives. In this commentary, we aimed to extend the proposed directions for future research on generational differences by integrating the two perspectives into one theoretical framework. Future research should investigate how proximal social relationships (e.g., intergenerational relations) and distal social norms (e.g., age norms) change over historical time and whether these historical changes shape individuals' development and aging. The theoretical framework that integrates the two proposed research directions may stimulate research on generational differences to progress beyond the concept of generations.

The role of digital status in adult child–parent relationships in European comparative perspective

The increasing significance of technology-mediated social interactions gives rise to optimistic expectations that digitalisation leads to various overwhelmingly positive outcomes in all walks of life. Our study relies on the European Social Survey 10th wave data (2020–22) to investigate the role of digital status in the relationship between adult children and parents in 30 countries. We found media multiplexity in adult child–parent relationships to be coupled in interesting and partly counterintuitive ways with our novel measure of digital status that captures digital skills and the outcomes of ICT use. The country-specific binary logistic regression models revealed that digital skills and the emotional benefits of ICT use have a central role in using new and old technologies, whereas a positive practical outcome of ICT use decreased the frequency of adult child–parent contact. By shaping the opportunities of doing family digitally, the skills and outcomes aspects of digital status have independent roles in a key segment of intergenerational relationships of adult family members.

A new data infrastructure for family research and demographic analysis: the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA)

Abstract This data brief introduces the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA; https://www.freda-panel.de/), a longitudinal, multi-actor database for family research. Major substantive fields addressed in the questionnaire include fertility-related attitudes and behaviours, reproductive health, work-family conflict, couples’ division of labour, gender roles, intimate relationships, separation and divorce, parenting and intergenerational relations, and well-being. FReDA is based on two initially independent samples: the newly drawn FReDA-GGS sample (n_recruitment = 37,777 respondents, aged 18–49 years), constituting the German contribution to the Generations and Gender Surveys (GGS-II), and the FReDA-pairfam sample (n = 6,216 respondents who originally participated in the German Family Panel [pairfam]). Both samples are fully integrated, using one survey instrument consisting of the harmonized GGS-II and pairfam questionnaires. Mainly web-based interviews, complemented by paper-based interviews, are conducted biannually, with one wave being split across two subwaves. We provide a short description of FReDA’s forerunners—the GGS and pairfam—and give an overview of FReDA’s design and content, its baseline wave (collected in 2021) and data releases, as well as a brief outlook on FReDA’s road ahead.

Phylogeny and re‐circumscription of Cheniella (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) based on plastome data and morphology, with description of three new species

AbstractSubfamily Cercidoideae is an early‐diverging lineage of Leguminosae, within which the number and classification of genera have been controversial. Cheniella is a recently described genus in the Cercidoideae which requires revision and testing of its monophyly and circumscription. Here we infer the phylogenetic position and infrageneric relationships of Cheniella as well as the intergeneric relationships of Cercidoideae using 48 newly sequenced plastid genomes, including 34 individuals representing all species of Cheniella. Our phylogenetic analyses yield a well‐resolved tree of Cercidoideae with robust support at most nodes. We also present morphological studies through field work and herbarium studies to re‐assess the classification and circumscription of the genus. Based on the results of molecular analyses and morphological studies combined with distribution data, we broaden the circumscription of Cheniella to comprise a total of 15 species and 3 subspecies, including three new species (C. hechiensis, C. longistaminea, C. pubicarpa), one new combination (C. tianlinensis) and one new status and combination (C. longipes).

Revisiting Transnational Activities: Korean Immigrant Mothers’ Home Visit for Families

Immigrant mothers engage in numerous transnational activities. In this qualitative study, we explored one distinct type of transnational activity, a return trip to the home country for visit, as experienced by Korean immigrant mothers. Through purposeful sampling, 11 married middle-class Korean immigrant women with children were recruited to be interviewed during their visit to South Korea. By exploring the transcripts through the thematic analysis, we paid attention to how these women negotiated and constructed the meaning of their return trip. These mothers carefully planned and coordinated these return trips so that their children could find their Korean roots by being immersed in the culture and build close intergenerational relationships. The mothers also perceived the trip as an opportunity to see their relatives face-to-face and spend quality time with their aging parents. Similar to other transnational activities, the meanings of return trip to home country might reflect social and cultural climates of Korea and the United States.

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.

Aging Parents and the Ties That Bind: Intergenerational Relationship Quality Among Culturally Diverse Canadian Families.

Drawing from a life course perspective, this paper examines mid/later-life parent-child relationship quality among ethnically diverse families. Focus is on the role of culture, child, and parental characteristics. Data are drawn from a study of 588 parents aged 50+ of a least one child aged 19-35 who reside in Metro Vancouver, B.C. from four Canadian cultural groups: British, Chinese, Persian/Iranian, and South Asian. Using OLS regression methods, we use two dependent variable scales: positive and negative support/interaction appraisals of the relationship. The positive relationship quality scale is associated with South Asian versus British-Canadian parents, mothers, those with greater income satisfaction, and daughters. The negative scale is inversely associated among South Asian versus British-Canadian parents, income satisfaction, parental health, and being unpartnered (vs. partnered). Interaction effects are found between gender and ethnicity. Implications for theorizing and applied recommendations for those who work with culturally diverse aging families are discussed.

Letters from Queer Elders: Transmitting Intergenerational Wisdom in LGBTQ+ Communities

ABSTRACT Intergenerational relationships have been established as a critical locus of psychosocial development, meeting needs of identity development for youth, generativity for elders, and connection and belonging for both. However, intergenerational relationships are both rare in the LGBTQ+ community and sorely needed as a buffer to the discrimination and harm that those within the community experience from systemic and structural oppression. Focusing on sexual identity, and employing a letter writing paradigm, we investigated the content of wisdom that LGB elders have to share with youth. In a descriptive, exploratory, mixed-methods, and pre-registered study, 94 adults ranging in age 50 to 79 years (M = 55.98; SD = 6.30) wrote letters to a fictional youth, Sam, as well as completed surveys of psychosocial development and well-being. Letters were content coded for themes, as well as for emotional tone and subjective perspective. The most common themes of wisdom shared included knowing and celebrating oneself, negotiating an oppressive society, and finding one’s community. Those who wrote more emotionally positive letters scored higher on measures of wisdom and generativity, and lower on embitterment. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of cultivating opportunities for wisdom-sharing within LGBTQ+ communities to promote flourishing across the lifespan.

Quantitative intra- and intergeneric taxonomic relationships among Micrococcaceae strains reveal contradictions in the historical assignments of the strains and indicate the need for species reclassification.

This article reports the results of quantitative intra- and intergeneric taxonomic relationships among Micrococcaceae strains and a novel endophytic bacterium (SG) isolated from a suspension culture of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh in our laboratory. The known strain Rothia sp. ND6WE1A was used as a reference one for SG. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were based on the 16S rRNA test. Quantitative analysis for the nucleotide identity (ANI) and calculation of evolutionary distances were based on the identified amino acids (AAI) test indicating the generic assignment of the reference strain within and between the identified monophyletic groups of Micrococcaceae. The amino acid data structure of Rothia sp. ND6WE1A was compared against the UniProt database (250 million records) of close lineage of Micrococcaceae, including other Rothia spp. These data presented unique and evolutionary amino acid alignments, eventually expected in the new SG isolate as well. The metagenomic entries of the respective genome and proteome, characterized at the genus and species levels, could be considered for evolutionary taxonomic reclassification of the isolated and the reference strain (SG + Rothia sp. ND6WE1A). Therefore, our results warrant further investigations on the isolated SG strain.

Parental Depression and Self-Stigma Among Chinese Young People Living With Depression: A Qualitative Study.

Self-stigma is detrimental to psychosocial well-being and the recovery journey among people living with depression. However, there has been limited research exploring the experience of stigma internalization when depression runs in families. This study aims to address this gap by (1) characterizing the manifestations of self-stigma among individuals living with depression whose parent(s) also have depression and (2) exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of parental depression on self-stigma. Essential principles of the constructivist grounded theory approach were adopted to collect data through in-depth interviews with 27 participants aged 15-30, living in Mainland China. Many participants perceived depression running in their family as an endless disaster and an incurable illness. These beliefs further led to stigmatizing emotions (such as suppression, anger, and guilt) and behaviors (such as concealment and social withdrawal). Participants also highlighted ambivalent intergenerational relationships, tense family atmospheres, lower parental emotional involvement and support, and a lack of family flexibility due to parental depression. Furthermore, parental depression impacted participants' self-stigma by interfering with family relationships, family functioning, and parenting styles. It also shaped their perceptions of family, illness attribution, and public stigma. Additionally, parental depression had an impact on participants' social functioning, self-esteem, and personality, making them more susceptible to self-stigma. This study emphasizes the crucial role that the family plays in the internalization of stigma among individuals living with depression. It suggests that family dynamics, rather than family structure or economic backgrounds alone, shape this process.

Young Chinese’s Modern Arranged Marriage and Mosaic Familialism in Shanghai

Abstract With rapid socio-economic development over the past four decades, a unique tapestry of Chinese society has unfolded into a mosaic of rapid modernization and resurgent patriarchal tradition. Within this complex temporality, parents still remain salient in young Chinese’ love and marital life. This study uses data from semi-structured interviews with recently married young people and their parents to investigate how young adults and their parents are involved in the marriage formation process. We found that in this joint process of intergenerational cooperative marriage arrangement, young people and their parents play different roles, as accommodating decision-makers and respectful advisers, respectively. They agreed that a modern marriage based on individual, romantic love was also a union between two families and welcomed their parents’ involvement. Moreover, they considered getting married and taking their parents’ opinions and preferences into account in their marriage decision as part of their filial piety towards their parents. We have also found that mothers played a salient and significant role in facilitating the transformation of the traditional and distant patriarchal intergenerational relationship into a warm and supportive family union. There are two sides to the mother’s role: the entrenchment of the traditional gender roles and the elevation of women’s status in the family.

The influence of intergenerational support on cognitive functioning among middle-aged Chinese: Moderation by personal income

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of personal income on the relationship between intergenerational support (IS) and cognitive functioning. MethodsData were obtained from four waves of nationally representative surveys of the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving 8,207 participants aged 45 ∼ 60 at baseline. Multivariate linear regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of three forms of intergenerational mutual supports on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, and subgroup regressions were used to analyze the moderating role of personal income in this relationship. ResultsThe results showed that financial and caregiving support from children impaired the cognitive functioning of their parents; whereas providing financial support to children and mutual emotional support with them positively affected their cognition; however, childcare was not significantly associated with cognitive levels in middle-aged adults. Moreover, the effect of IS on the cognitive level of Chinese middle-aged people disappeared or was attenuated by having pensions or earning their own post-tax income. ConclusionIS has a significant effect on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, but this effect is moderated by personal income. These results are informative for the development of intergenerational relationship intervention programs for the prevention of cognitive decline in middle-aged adults with different personal income.

A Narrative Review Exploring the Similarities between Cilento and the Already Defined "Blue Zones" in Terms of Environment, Nutrition, and Lifestyle: Can Cilento Be Considered an Undefined "Blue Zone"?

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, not only as a function of lifespan, but, more importantly, as a function of healthspan. There are Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs), regions around the world, such as in Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; and Ogliastra, Sardinia, that are characterized by a significant percentage of residents who live exceptionally long lives, often avoiding age-related disability to a significantly higher degree than in the Western way of life. Longevity is not a universal phenomenon, so if there are places in the world with characteristics similar to the LBZs, it is important to identify them in order to better understand what other factors, in addition to the known ones, might contribute to a long and healthy life. This narrative review aims to identify common factors between Cilento and the five LBZs, taking into account environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Articles from 2004 to the present, limited to studies published in English, German, and Italian, were searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The co-authors agreed on 18 final reference texts. In order to evaluate the similarities between Cilento and the LBZs, a descriptive comparative approach was used. Cilento and the LBZs share several common factors, including a hilly altitude ranging from 355 to 600 m; a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures between 17.4 and 23.5 degrees Celsius; traditional professions, such as agriculture and animal husbandry; and a predominantly Mediterranean or plant-based diet, with typical recipes based on legumes, tubers, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, maintenance of strong intergenerational family relationships, religious devotion, and social relationships within the community are also prevalent. Given the similarities to Cilento, one might wonder if this is an LBZ waiting to be discovered. The lessons learned from this discovery could be applied to the general population to protect them from non-communicable chronic diseases and help slow the aging process.

A CHILD IS A MIRROR OF INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS

This article examines social and psychological factors that explain that intergenerational relations are the basis of the formation of a child's personality.

Intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes and its influence on gender roles in single-parent families

BackgroundThe development of children’s gender roles in single-parent families is worthy of attention. It may be affected by family members’ gender roles and parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (PCGA). PCGA will form a consistent or inconsistent intergenerational relationship between parents and children.ObjectiveThis study examined the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA. Also, the intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (ITPCGA) in single-parent families, and the impact of various family factors on children’s gender roles were comprehensively considered.MethodParticipants were 550 single-parent parent-adolescent dyads. The Gender-role Scale and the Parental Child-rearing Gender-role Attitude Scale were used to evaluate participants’ gender-role and PCGA. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA, and the influencing family factors of ITPCGA and children’s gender roles.ResultsThe intergenerational similarities of gender role types and PCGA types existed. Both parents’ gender roles and family gender pairs affected ITPCGA, father-daughter families and parents’ undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted undesirable ITPCGA. Family gender pair, parent’s gender roles and ITPCGA types affected children’s gender roles. Undesirable ITPCGA significantly predicted children’s undifferentiated gender roles; father-daughter families and mother-son families, parents’ undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted children’s sex-typed gender roles, and mother-son families and parents’ reversed gender roles significantly predicted children’s reversed gender role.ConclusionsThis study highlights the effects of single-parent family gender pairs and parents’ gender roles on ITPCGA, which influences the development of children’s gender roles.

The Results of the Intergenerational Relationship Program and Creation of New Meaning in the Thai Community Context: A Case Study of Ban Na, Nakhon Nayok Province

The utilization of intergenerational relationship as the foundation for community development aligns with the expectations set forth by Thailand's national policies, particularly within the economic dimension. This research explores the outcomes of fostering intergenerational relationship and investigates the learning outcomes to create fresh significance in the collaborative occupational development of diverse age groups. It involves the experimental implementation of the Intergenerational Relationship Program aimed at redefining the meaning of community development in the Thai context, with a specific focus on youths and elderly demographics within Ban Na, Nakhon Nayok Province, involving a total of 60 participants. To assess the study's outcomes, different methods were employed, such as surveys and interviews, followed by data analysis to expound upon the observed results. The research findings indicate a positive trend in intergenerational relationship, with enhanced communication between youths and the elderly, increased communal engagement, improved mutual attitudes, and a greater display of friendliness towards one another. Regarding learning outcomes, it was found that the collaborative grouping of individuals from two different age brackets led to the development of community-generated products with inherent value. Additionally, the target groups stated that program participation had the potential to increase community livelihoods and income generation.

Promoting Positive Development Among Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Youth: Advancing a Novel Model of Natural Mentoring.

Racism and other forms of oppression threaten the well-being of racially and ethnically marginalized youth. Models of risk and resilience for marginalized youth have stressed the importance of addressing contextual and structural risk while emphasizing promotive factors such as cultural capital within their communities. Increasingly, research has focused on collective antiracist action as a form of coping with structural oppression. Importantly, supportive intergenerational relationships that develop within youths' everyday contexts may play a key role in catalyzing and reinforcing youths' engagement in antiracist action. This review advances a novel model for understanding how supportive nonparental adults from youths' everyday lives (i.e., natural mentors) influence youths' positive developmental outcomes and participation in antiracist action and how collective antiracist action, in turn, fosters liberation and racial justice. The creation of a more just and equitable society contributes to positive development among racially and ethnically marginalized youth. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 20 is May 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Ambivalence and transnational intergenerational solidarity: the perspective of highly educated Portuguese women emigrant daughters

Existing literature has highlighted solidarity across generations as a crucial mechanism for transfers and maintaining cohesion within families. However, researching solidarity across generations among transnational families is still an underexplored area, especially from the viewpoint of highly skilled female migrants. This study explored the way highly educated Portuguese adult daughters, living transnationally, perceive the existing solidarity ties with their parents, in times of transition, such as during the process of migration. By using a cluster analysis approach to explore the statistical associations between ambivalence and intergenerational solidarity dimensions, this study provides insight into the migrant solidarity types incorporating the role of ambivalence in forging a typology of transnational intergenerational relationships. The sample comprised 248 daughters who volunteered to provide information in an online survey. Participants gave their full consent to partake in this study, and this study was approved by the ethical committee of the authors’ institution. Measures of intergenerational solidarity dimensions, perceived ambivalence, sociocultural adaptation, acculturation, and social well-being in the destination country were included in the survey. Model-based cluster analysis resulted in three clusters: low ambivalence with strong cohesion, autonomous with affection and low ambivalence, and ambivalent functional ties with low affection. These clusters differed significantly in terms of intergenerational solidarity dimensions, perceived ambivalence, and in several other measures addressed. Perceived high parent-daughter ambivalent ties were associated with high levels of functional contacts and financial exchange. That pattern was also associated with lower levels of affection and consensus, being most frequently found in older daughters, mostly when single, economically inactive, or unemployed. Low perceived ambivalent parent-daughter ties were the most frequently found (around 80%), with two different types of intergenerational relationships being revealed, namely the low ambivalence with strong cohesion type and the autonomous with affection and low ambivalence type. Half (50%) of the daughters that perceived low parent-daughter ambivalent ties have associated the highest intergenerational solidarity, being, in general, better adapted to the migration context and slightly younger on average. The other half, less well acculturated, living abroad for longer, in countries with stronger welfare state systems and less reliance on families as providers of care, are more associated with an autonomous relationship type with low solidarity, but high affection. These results suggest that there might be a spillover effect: those who fare well in the country of migration, have better relations with their families at home—either being very interdependent or very independent, but always with good affective quality and low ambivalence.