Work

It’s Really Not Me? Adult Childrens’ Misperceptions of Mothers’ Favoritism and Disfavoritism

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies have revealed that both mothers and adult children report that maternal favoritism and disfavoritism are common in later-life families; however, little is known about whether children’s perceptions of differentiation mirror mothers’ own reports. In this paper we use data from 310 mothers and 725 offspring from the Within-Family Differences Study to examine patterns and predictors of congruence regarding reports of favoritism and disfavoritism. Contrary to the intergenerational stake hypothesis, mothers and offspring reported similar rates of favoritism and disfavoritism; however, children were very inaccurate reporters of which offspring mothers favored and disfavored. Congruence was more likely when mothers and offspring were the same gender, shared values, and frequently exchanged support. Greater congruence was found in Black than White families. Given that adult children’s perceptions of such differential treatment strongly predict depressive symptoms, shedding light on these processes is important in understanding the role of intergenerational relations in well-being.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.2198

Authors: J. Suitor, M. Gilligan, M. Rurka, S. Peng, K.A. Pillemer

Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, Iowa State University, Cornell University

Language: English

Topic: Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977