Dataset Information

Step-Gap in Upward Support: The Role of Biological Relatedness and Childhood Co-residence Duration.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although prior research has detected a step-gap in intergenerational relationships in various aspects, there is a lack of studies examining adult children's support toward their biological parents and stepparents. We investigated (i) whether adult children provide more support to their biological parents than stepparents and (ii) whether the childhood co-residence duration is associated with the support given to stepparents.

Methods

The data were drawn from the German Family Panel (pairfam). Upward support was indicated by using 3 different measures, namely, financial, practical, and emotional support provided by adult children to their biological parents and stepparents. A path analysis was conducted to detect the potential differences regarding upward support.

Results

More support was channeled toward the biological parents than the stepparents. Moreover, the length of co-residence during childhood and adolescence was positively associated with the frequency of support provided toward the stepparents. Consequently, an increased childhood co-residence duration decreased the step-gap in upward support, although it did not fully eliminate it.

Discussion

The findings showed that stepparents are in a more disadvantaged position than the biological parents regarding receiving support from their adult children. In the context of a high old-age dependency ratio, it is important to recognize that stepparents may not have the opportunity to receive adequate support from their families as compared to individuals with biological children.

SUBMITTER: Hamalainen H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10944143 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Step-Gap in Upward Support: The Role of Biological Relatedness and Childhood Co-residence Duration.

Hämäläinen Hans H Tanskanen Antti O AO Pettay Jenni J Danielsbacka Mirkka M

The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences 20240401 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>Although prior research has detected a step-gap in intergenerational relationships in various aspects, there is a lack of studies examining adult children's support toward their biological parents and stepparents. We investigated (i) whether adult children provide more support to their biological parents than stepparents and (ii) whether the childhood co-residence duration is associated with the support given to stepparents.<h4>Methods</h4>The data were drawn from the German F ...[more]

PMID: 38127143

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Dataset Information

Step-Gap in Upward Support: The Role of Biological Relatedness and Childhood Co-residence Duration.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

Step-Gap in Upward Support: The Role of Biological Relatedness and Childhood Co-residence Duration.

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