Psychological Well-Being of Coresiding Elderly Parents and Adult Children in China: Do Father–Child and Mother–Child Relationships Make a Difference?

Abstract

Using the baseline wave (2010) of the China Family Panel Studies, this study conducted an investigation of the associations between intergenerational relationships and the psychological well-being of elderly parents and adult children based on 2,401 coresiding parent–child dyads. Parents receiving support from children in three to four life areas were more likely to have higher life satisfaction than parents with no upward support. Downward support in more life areas was associated with poorer psychological well-being for adult children. Good quality parent–child relationships were positively associated only with parents’ life satisfaction. This association was stronger for elderly mothers than for elderly fathers. No significant differences were found between father–child and mother–child relationships with regard to their implications for children’s psychological outcomes. This study highlights the importance of considering cultural sensitivity and parental gender roles when applying attachment theory to aging families.