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You are my favourite! Parent–child relationships and satisfaction in later life in Italy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 May 2020

Cecilia Tomassini Open the ORCID record for Cecilia Tomassini [Opens in a new window] ,
Elisa Cisotto  and
Giulia Cavrini
Cecilia Tomassini*
Affiliation:
Department of Economics, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
Elisa Cisotto
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bressanone, Italy
Giulia Cavrini
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bressanone, Italy
*
*Corresponding author. Email: cecilia.tomassini@unimol.it
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Abstract

Intergenerational transfers measured in several currencies (e.g. co-residence, contact, proximity and support) have been always considered important indicators for family solidarity. Most of the studies on intergenerational transfers examine the structural characteristics of such exchanges (as distance, frequency, type, motives), emphasising the potential positive association between the structure and the quality of parent–child relationships. Additionally, while most surveys include questions on the structural indicators of family exchanges, it is still uncommon for them to contain assessments of the relationships between parents and their adult children as well. Using the Italian 2009 Family Survey, this study analyses the satisfaction of parent–child relationships for parents aged 65 and older. After examining the association of such a variable with the structural indicators of intergenerational exchanges (frequency of contact), we explored the individual factors associated with satisfaction of relationships with a child using multilevel multinomial models. Overall, older Italian parents report high satisfaction in their relationships with their adult children. Additionally, a not strong, but statistically significant association between structure (contact) and satisfaction was found. This study shows how high satisfaction of relationships with children is positively associated with being a mother and being married and negatively associated with bad health status. Some of the variables considered have different impacts between the sexes of parents. Additionally, a better appreciation of relationships with daughters compared to sons was found, especially for fathers.

Keywords

intergenerational relationssatisfactiongendermultilevel multinomial models
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 41 , Issue 11 , November 2021 , pp. 2467 - 2483
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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