Citation

Kong J. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2018; 73(5): e39-e48.

Affiliation

Center for Healthy Aging, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Gerontological Society of America, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/geronb/gbx039

PMID

28449066

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Parental childhood maltreatment has a negative impact on psychological well-being in adulthood. However, little is known about whether and how contemporary relationships with an abusive parent might explain the long-term harmful effects. Thus, this study aims to examine the mediating effect of later-life relationships with an abusive parent on the association between parental childhood maltreatment and psychological well-being.

METHODS: Using the 2004-2005 Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, this study analyzed a total of 1,696 adults aged 65 years. A series of ordinary least squares regression and mediational analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Key findings showed that maternal childhood neglect and abuse were associated with decreased emotional closeness with mothers, which was, in turn, associated with diminished psychological well-being. In addition, childhood neglect was associated with less frequent exchanges of social support with mothers, which was, in turn, associated with diminished psychological well-being.

DISCUSSION: This study suggests that, despite childhood maltreatment, parent-child relationships persist throughout life, and the continuing relationship with an abusive parent may undermine adult victims' psychological well-being. When intervening with mental health issues of adults who have experienced childhood maltreatment, their unresolved issues with the parent should be properly addressed.

Language: en

Keywords

Childhood abuse; Childhood neglect; Intergenerational solidarity; Psychological well-being