You are my favourite! Parent-child relationship and satisfaction in later life

Cecilia Tomassini, University of Molise
Giulia Cavrini, Libera Università di Bolzano

Intergenerational transfers measured in several currencies (e.g. coresidence, contact, proximity, support etc.) have been always considered as important indicators for family solidarity. Most of the studies on intergenerational transfers look at the structural characteristics of such exchanges (as distance, frequency, type, motives) emphasising the potential positive association between the structure and the quality of the parent-child relations. Additionally, while most of the surveys include questions on the structural indicators of family exchanges, it is rare that they comprise assessments of the relations between parent and children as well. Using the Italian 2009 Gender and Generations Survey this study analyses the personal rating of the parent-child relations among parents aged 65 and older. Firstly, this paper examines the association of such variable with the structural indicators of intergenerational exchanges (frequency of contact).Additionally the individual factors associated with a good satisfaction of the relation with a child (using a multinomial logit model with robust option with the family as unit) have been analysed. Different models with both parents and for mothers and fathers separately have been performed. This study shows a general high satisfaction of Italian older parents in their relation with their children. Additionally a not strong, but statistically significant relation between structure (e.g contact) and satisfaction has been found. This study shows that satisfaction is positively associated with being mothers, being married, living in Northern Italy, and with high parities. Some of these variables have a different impact for fathers and mothers. Additionally better relations with daughters than with sons have been found especially among fathers.