Abstract
Research findings indicate that after children are launched from the family of orientation, relationships between parents and children change, both quantitatively and qualitatively; however, the bond between the generations remains strong and highly meaningful, with much interaction, mutual aid and affective feelings (Hages- tad, 1977; Hagestad & Snow, 1977; Hill, Foot, Aldous, Carlson, & MacDonald, 1970; Shanas & Streib, 1965; Shanas, Townsend, Wedderburn, Fritz, & Milhoj, 1968). The modal family form in western societies consists of economically independent households connected to some degree by ties of aid, interaction, and affect. The widespread notion promulgated by the media that elderly in American society are neglected, ignored, and abandoned by their kin is contrary to empirical evidence accumulated over the last two decades about intergenerational helping patterns in old age.
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© 1984 Plenum Press, New York
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Mederer, H.J. (1984). The Transition to a Parent-Caring Role by Adult Children. In: Allen, V.L., van de Vliert, E. (eds) Role Transitions. NATO Conference Series, vol 23. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2697-7_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2697-7_21
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