Childhood abuse and family obligation in middle adulthood: findings from the MIDUS II National Survey

Abstract

This study examined associations between reported histories of childhood abuse and later reports of obligation towards their family of origin from a family life cycle perspective. Data from this study included a subsample of 725 single and married, English-speaking adult participants (57.1% female, M age 5 49.8 years) from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II): Biomarker Project. Findings suggest that childhood abuse impacts later family obligation in many ways, and that different categories of abuse (e.g. emotional, neglect, physical and sexual) and severity levels (e.g. none, less severe, more severe) differ in their impacts on adults' reports of obligation to their families. Implications for future research and clinical practice are suggested.Practitioner points • Clinicians should be aware that different categories of childhood abuse may have unique effects on clients' feelings of obligation towards their families later in life • The intersection between severity of childhood abuse and category of childhood abuse is important to explore in therapy due to nuanced effects on feelings of family obligation later in life

Childhood exposure to family violence and adult sibling relationships

“…Exposure to childhood family violence can have significant negative effects on the quality of relationships with family members throughout the life course (Parker et al, 2018). Based on intergenerational solidarity theory and the life course perspective, researchers posit that the patterns and dynamics of family interactions experienced in childhood can persist and shape later‐life kin relationships (Band‐Winterstein, 2014; Bengtson & Oyama, 2007; Connidis & McMullin, 2002; Lüscher & Pillemer, 1998; Park, 2014).…”

The Role of Current Family Relationships in Associations Between Childhood Abuse and Adult Psychological Functioning

“…Similarly, Savla and colleagues (2013) analyzed data from MIDUS II (2004-2006, finding that childhood verbal abuse negatively affected the levels of emotional closeness with family (measured by indicators of perceived family support and strain) in later adulthood. Based on the same data set, a recent study by Parker, Maier, and Wojciak (2016) found that adults with a history of childhood abuse and neglect reported a lower perceived obligation to family than did nonabused adults.…”

Caregiving for Parents Who Harmed You: A Conceptual Review

“…Filial obligation is another important construct of intergenerational relationships that can facilitate contacts and helping behaviors for aging parents (Lye, 1996, Parker et al, 2018. Though few empirical studies have investigated this relationship in the context of childhood maltreatment, one study specifically examined the effect of childhood maltreatment on filial obligations toward a perpetrating parent.…”

“…Though few empirical studies have investigated this relationship in the context of childhood maltreatment, one study specifically examined the effect of childhood maltreatment on filial obligations toward a perpetrating parent. Parker et al (2018) conducted bivariate analyses between reported histories of childhood abuse and later reports of obligation towards their family, which was defined as "feelings of adults to connect and maintain relationships with family members" (Parker et al, 2018, p. 128). The authors found that adults with a history of childhood abuse and neglect reported a lower perceived obligation to family than non-abused adults.…”

“…They may also struggle to recognize their agency in the situation and set clear boundaries with the demands of care (Brown, 2012). The outcome can manifest as an emotional state of anger, somatization, and depression, making it even harder to manage their caregiving stress effectively (Parker et al, 2018).…”