The Effect of Widowhood on Parent–Child Relationships in Korea: Do Parents’ Filial Expectations and Geographic Proximity to Children Matter?

Abstract

Although previous research based on data from the U.S. suggests that parents' widowhood is associated with increased emotional support from children, little is known about the impact of late-life widowhood on intergenerational relationships in other cultures. Using data of Korean older adults, this paper examined: (1) the effect of widowhood on both positive and negative aspects of parent-child relationships and (2) whether these effects are moderated by older adults' expectations about children's filial responsibilities and the geographic proximity to their children. Analyses are based on data from the Hallym Aging Study, a stratified multi-stage probability sample of older adults living in the cities of Seoul and Chuncheon in Korea. Compared to married older adults, widowed persons in this sample reported higher levels of ambivalence, lower levels of positive interactions, and higher levels of negative interactions with their children. Parents' notion about filial responsibilities did not have a significant moderating effect, whereas geographic proximity to children was a significant moderator. Findings suggest that widowhood is associated with greater strain in intergenerational relationships in Korea. Helping widowed older adults forge constructive relationships with their children may enhance both bereaved older adults' and their children's well-being in this cultural milieu.

Correlated factors with filial piety expectations of older Koreans and Korean-Americans

“…The results of this study indicate that both older Koreans and Korean-Americans still expect significant care from their adult children. While these results are similar to those in most studies with Korean samples (e.g., Ha et al, 2016) and Chinese or other ethnic immigrant elderly (e.g., Laielaw et al, 2010;Luo & Zhan, 2012;Peek et al, 1998), a remarkable difference was found in an American study that used the EFR between groups (Lee et al, 1998). Although the overall level of filial piety was similar between the two samples, clearly a distinct difference between the two groups was regarding financial assistance.…”

“…Accordingly, older adults would face the wide gap between what older adults expect from their children and the actual practice and behaviors of younger generations to fulfill these expectations. Thus, intergenerational ambivalence theory explains the coexistence of positive and negative sentiment in parent-child relations in the Korean family care system (Ha et al, 2016).…”

“…Clear articulation of such expectations is critical in reducing potential family conflict. When older persons experience health problems, their informal support such as spouses, adult children, and other family members are the first source of assistance (Ha et al, 2016;Kim, Hisata, Kai, & Lee, 2000;Korea National Statistical Office, 2016;Yoon, 2013). Social workers can provide information about health care and community resources, refer these elders to appropriate agencies and professionals, and thus reduce some of the stress experienced by the adult children.…”

“…As a result, adult children are still one of the main sources of support when they are in need. Recently, such elder care expectations and behaviors have been dramatically shifted from sons and daughters-in-law to daughters, who are generally willing to be closer and actually provide emotional and physical care to their own parents, particularly in widowhood (Ha et al, 2016;Yoo & Kim, 2010).…”

“…Accordingly, the majority of older adults in need of public services and programs receive care from their adult children. Even with recent changes in the national pension system, changing family demographics and vulnerability in global economic markets have "increased old-age insecurity" (p. 560) for Korean older adults (Choi, 2006;Ha et al, 2016;Yoon, 2013).…”