EARLY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY, AND SUPPORT PROVIDED TO PARENTS BY THEIR ADULT CHILDREN

This research investigated the effects of early family experiences on the quality of the adult child-parent relationship and on the extent of instrumental and emotional support provided elderly parents try their adult children. The analysis was based on adult children's reports regarding 1,135 aging parents. Panel data were used to reduce method effects attributable to transient mood states. Health of aging parent, geographical proximity of parents and children, and parent's living situation were controlled in the models. The findings indicated that the propensity of adult children to provide instrumental support(e.g., transportation and health care when parents were ill) and emotional support was indirectly affected by the influence of the early parent-child relationship on contemporary filial concern and relationship quality.