Perceived intergenerational solidarity and psychological distress among older Mexican Americans

R. H. Lawrence, J. M. Bennett, K. S. Markides

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

A model separating and relating dimensions of intergenerational solidarity with measures of psychological distress was investigated for older Mexican Americans. Solidarity consisted of measures of similarity, affection, and association. Measures of psychological distress were somatic/retarded symptoms, depressed affect, and positive affect. To evaluate whether emotional closeness with a particular child modified the linkages, the model was analyzed separately based on whether or not the elderly participant reported that the child included in the intergenerational study was her or his closest child. The findings indicated that the impact of affection and association was a function of the particular dimension of distress and the emotional closeness of the child. Although the proposed model needs expanding, it provides some support for the expectation that family solidarity has important consequences for elderly Mexican Americans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S55-S65
JournalJournals of Gerontology
Volume47
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aging

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