Does It Matter Anymore? A Study of Childhood Characteristics and Separated Families' Contacts in Adulthood

Bibliographic Data

ID21477558
AuthorsEva‐lisa Palmtag (0000-0001-9925-7460, Stockholm University, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume70
Issue3
Pages726-740
Publication date2021-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFamily Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0197-6664 • E-ISSN: 1741-3729
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/fare.12498
OpenAlexW3085644239
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited40

Objective The study aimed to explore which factors influence intergenerational contacts between adult children and their separated parents, focusing on childhood characteristics. Background Children from separated families have less frequent contact with their parents compared with peers from intact families. Yet few studies have examined the heterogeneity in intergenerational contact within separated families. Methods Data were based on Swedish Level of Living Survey. Using linear probability model, the first analysis showed that intergenerational contacts vary depending on family type ( n = 2,500). The study then explored variations in contacts within separated families ( n = 472). Results The findings show that previous frequent contacts with the nonresident parent were positively correlated with current father–child contacts. Conclusion Separation has long‐term consequences on intergenerational contacts, and these are partly predicted by childhood characteristics. Implications The findings suggest, for example, that alternate living (i.e., children living spending equal time with their parents after separation) may contribute to a more equal distribution of the contact between children and their separated parents even in adulthood and help narrow the gender gap in intergenerational contacts within separated families

Developmental psychology · Social contact · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Family Support in Illness · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology

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