Abstracts Psychology

Gender differences in intergenerational affectual solidarity

by Jody L. Davis

Because the predictors of gender differences in parent-adult child relationships have not been investigated, the second goal of this research is to examine predictors of adult daughters' and sons' affectual solidarity for their natural parents. Walker, Thompson, and Morgan (1987) found that there was less attachment between married, young daughters and their mothers than between single, young daughters and their mothers. Bamch and Bamett (1983) also found that daughters who had children perceived their relationships with their mothers as less rewarding. The data suggest normative pressure on adult children to move toward their spouses and children and away from their families of origin, to distance themselves (physically and/or emotionally) from their families of origin and to place their new families and roles as first priority. The data also support the emphasis life course theory places on social roles and the interdependence between family members, how each family member reacts to a role transition influences the other family members.