A Typology of Mother-Daughter Relationship Patterns for Young Adult Women and Their Mothers

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study of developmental themes in the context of the mother-daughter relationship. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 60 women, aged 23-42 years. A rating guide for individuation was developed for content analysis of interview material. The dimensions of the rating guide included (1) psychological autonomy from family of origin, (2) empathy, (3) tolerance of ambiguity, and (4) maintenance of self-esteem. Cluster analysis was employed to assign women with similar individuation profiles into five groups. A typology was constructed that represents styles of mother-daughter interaction. The study findings suggest that typological differences based on individuation themes can be used to describe overall patterns of the mother-daughter relationship over time. These patterns provide a useful context in which to study mother-daughter interactions through the life span.

Changes in childhood caregiving impressions among middle‐aged and older adults

“…It is unclear why these demographic characteristics were associated with impressions becoming more negative, although some previous research provides some potential explanations. For example, middle‐aged women occasionally have ambivalent relationships with their parents as adults, primarily because they feel parents can be too prescriptive in their advice about career and childrearing decisions (Baruch & Barnett, 1983; Bojczyk et al, 2011; Miller, 1995).…”

“…Growing older allows for gathering additional context that can help reframe caregiving experiences (e.g., by having conversations with other family members). Perhaps having children of their own might result in adult children adjusting their impressions of their upbringing (Baruch & Barnett, 1983; Bojczyk et al, 2011; Miller, 1995). Discovering how difficult others' childhoods were might lead to downward social comparisons that give people a newfound appreciation for their own parents (Gerber et al, 2018).…”

Development and Evaluation of the Adult Daughter–Mother Relationship Questionnaire (ADMRQ)

“…This trend continues to this day (Adams, 1995;Birditt & Fingerman, 2013;Fingerman, 1996;A. Miller, 1995;J.…”

“…There has been an upsurge in research relating to the mother–daughter relationship including early books written for lay persons (Friday, 1977; Hyman, 1981; Schaffer, 1977), burgeoning into empirical research that began in the 1980s (Baruch & Barnett, 1983; Blaxter & Patterson, 1982; Caplan & Hall-McCorquodale, 1985; Menke, 1983; Notar & McDaniel, 1986). This trend continues to this day (Adams, 1995; Birditt & Fingerman, 2013; Fingerman, 1996; A. Miller, 1995; J.…”