Negative Interactions in Close Relationships Across the Life Span

Abstract

This article examines age differences in positive, but especially negative, interactions in close relationships. Two community-based representative samples of people from 13 to 96 years of age from the United States and Japan were used to explore these relationships. Analyses indicate stability across age in positive interactions but a general decline in negative interactions in both countries. Three possible explanations for this age difference in negative interactions were examined: social maturity, familiarity, and contact frequency. Results provide most support for the contact frequency explanation. And finally, intercorrelations across relationships, that is, spouse, mother, father, child, and same-gender best friend, indicate moderate to high intercorrelations across all ages with a slight increase among older Japanese age groups. These results can be summarized as lending support to a generalized reduction in negative interactions with age but exceptions are noted in specific relationships and cultural traditions.

Forgiveness of Interpersonal Offenses in Younger and Older Roman Catholic Women

“…Compared to younger adults, older adults appear to be more invested in maintaining close relationships (Carstensen et al 1999), experience fewer interpersonal tensions (Akiyama et al 2003), and find these interpersonal tensions less stressful and anger-provoking (Birditt and Fingerman 2003). Furthermore, older adults' reactions (both cognitive and behavioral) to difficult interpersonal situations differ from those of younger adults .…”

Social relationships and personal control: Factors that influence stress across the lifespan

“…Young adults report more social strain as a result of the increased interactions from larger networks (Akiyama, Antonucci, Takahashi, & Langfahl, 2003). In contrast, older adults report less social strain and perceived interpersonal stress due to their smaller networks, fewer interactions, and limited exposure to potentially negative events (Akiyama et al, 2003;Carstensen et al, 2003;Carstensen et al, 1999).…”

“…As predicted, more social support was associated with less partner stress. Social support may be more beneficial for the partner domain because it is considered one of the closest relationships across the lifespan (Akiyama et al, 2003). For example, family may be an influential source of support for children and adolescents but a partner may remain a consistent source of support from young adulthood through old age.…”

Los vínculos que brindan mayor satisfacción en la red de apoyo social de los adultos

“…Otro estudio realizado en diferentes grupos etarios muestra que, mientras las relaciones positivas se mantienen estables, las negativas se reducen en la medida en que aumenta la edad (Akiyama, Antonucci, Takahashi y Langfahl, 2003). La teoría de la selectividad socioemocional (Carstensen, Isaaowitz y Charles, 1999;Carstensen, Pasupathi, Mayr y Nesselroade, 2000;Carstensen y Charles, 2007) sostiene que los adultos mayores asumen un rol proactivo en sus relaciones sociales y seleccionan intencionada y estratégicamente los vínculos que más les interesan seguir manteniendo y profundizando.…”