Associations between early experiences with parents and well-being in old age.
This study explores the impact of early experiences with parents on health and well-being in old age. An interview survey was conducted with a representative sample of 267 elderly community residents in the age group 65-74. Standard measures for health, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and loneliness were included as dependent variables. Quality of parenting was measured by means of a retrospective questionnaire focused on the care dimension of parental behavior. The foremost conclusion of this study is that early experiences with parents have an impact on the well-being of elderly persons. The effect is stronger among those older persons who lack a current attachment figure in the form of an affectionate partner; also, it is stronger for unattached older men than for unattached older women.
Andersson
L
L
Section of Social Gerontology, Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Sweden.
Stevens
N
N
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012649:Self Concept