Socio-Emotional Determinants of Successful Aging: How Do Parent-Child Relationships and General Views on Aging Influence Adult Children's Evaluation of Own Aging?
Abstract
Theoretical frameworks and lay perspectives suggest that social and familial relationships are critical components of successful aging. To date, however, there is a lack of knowledge about how intergenerational relationships are related to self-perception of aging and evaluation of one’s own successful aging. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of parent-adult children relationships in aging satisfaction and evaluation of adult children’s own successful aging. In addition, adult children’s general view on aging was examined as mediating the association between parent-adult children relationships and the outcomes of interest, aging satisfaction, and self-rated successful aging. In a sample of 113 adults (Mean age: 41.12, SD = 16.55), multiple regression analyses indicated that care involvement was the most powerful component of relationships in positively predicting aging satisfaction, while ambivalence was negatively related to evaluation of one’s own successful aging. Additionally, having a positive view on aging in general mediated the association between supportive qualities of relationships to parents and positive evaluation of one’s aging. The findings support the psychosocial models and lay perspectives of successful aging that incorporate social resources and positive adaptation as important determinants of successful aging. This study contributes to understanding the role of intergenerational relationships in shaping general views on aging and evaluation of one’s own aging among the adult population.
Subject Area
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Jung, Seojung, "Socio-Emotional Determinants of Successful Aging: How Do Parent-Child Relationships and General Views on Aging Influence Adult Children's Evaluation of Own Aging?" (2013). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13853354.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13853354
