Parent–Child Relationship Typologies and Associated Health Status Among Older Adults in the United States and China: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Dexia Kong; Peiyi Lu; Bei Wu; Merril Silverstein

doi:10.1093/geroni/igae050

journal article Open Access Jan 01, 2024

Parent–Child Relationship Typologies and Associated Health Status Among Older Adults in the United States and China: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Dexia Kong

Peiyi Lu

Bei Wu

Merril Silverstein

Innovation in Aging Vol. 8 No. 6 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1093/geroni/igae050

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Cultural differences in intergenerational relationships have been well established in prior research. However, cross-national comparison evidence on the parent–child relationship and its health implications remains limited.

Research Design and Methods
Data from the 2014 U.S. Health and Retirement Study and the 2015 Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in China were used (NUS, non-Hispanic Whites only = 3,918; NChina = 4,058). Relationship indicators included coresidence, living nearby, having weekly contact, receiving assistance with daily activities, providing grandchild care, and financial transfer to/from children. Latent class and regression analyses were conducted.

Results
Four classes were identified for non-Hispanic White older Americans: (1) distant and uninvolved (6.58%), (2) geographically proximate with frequent contact and downward support (47.04%), (3) coresident with frequent contact and upward support (13.1%), and (4) geographically proximate with frequent contact (33.28%). Three classes were identified among older Chinese: (1) coresident with frequent contact and upward support (37.46%), (2) coresident/interdependent (25.65%), and (3) geographically proximate with frequent contact and upward financial support (36.89%). For non-Hispanic White older Americans, providing downward support was associated with fewer functional limitations and better cognition. Receiving instrumental support from children was associated with more depressive symptoms, more functional limitations, and poorer cognition among older Chinese.

Discussion and Implications
Cultural contrasts were evident in parent–child relationship typologies and their health implications. Compared to the U.S. non-Hispanic Whites, parent–child relationships in China tended to be closer and associated with poorer health status. The findings call for culturally relevant strategies to improve parent–child relationships and ultimately promote the health of older adults.

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Details

Published: Jan 01, 2024
Vol/Issue: 8(6)
License: View

Authors

D

Dexia Kong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of Social Work, , Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China

P

Peiyi Lu

The University of Hong Kong Department of Social Work and Social Administration, , Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China

B

Bei Wu

Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University , New York, New York, USA

M

Merril Silverstein

Maxwell School, Syracuse University Departments of Sociology, , Syracuse, New York, USA; Falk College, Syracuse University Department of Human Development and Family Science, , Syracuse, New York, USA

Funding

National Institute on Aging Award: R01AG030153

Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Award: 19231104

Cite This Article

Dexia Kong, Peiyi Lu, Bei Wu, et al. (2024). Parent–Child Relationship Typologies and Associated Health Status Among Older Adults in the United States and China: A Cross-Cultural Comparison. Innovation in Aging, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae050

Parent–Child Relationship Typologies and Associated Health Status Among Older Adults in the United States and China: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

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