The Sandwich Generation: Challenges and Coping Strategies of Multigenerational Families

Abstract

This article presents a review of recent literature of the "sandwich generation" with an emphasis on women. Counseling interventions, family counseling implications, and two case studies follow the literature review.

Work-family conflict across the lifespan

“…Furthermore, sex may influence some of the hypothesized relationships. For example, some researchers have suggested that dual-earner men work more hours per week than dual-earner women (Levine and Pittinsky, 1997), and that women are more likely to experience the care-giving responsibilities associated with both child-and elder-care (i.e., the "sandwich generation;" Riley and Bowen, 2005).…”

Family caregiving at the intersection of private care by migrant home care workers and public care by nursing staff

“…Being "stuck" in the middle is a common experience of adult children who have to care for their older parents while tending to their young children (Riley and Bowen, 2005). In the present study, it appears that some adult children solved this conflict by delegating the duty of being physically present to the migrant home care worker.…”

Big Macs/Peanut Butter and Jelly: An Exploration of Dialectical Contradictions Experienced by the Sandwich Generation

“…First, MGCs report experiencing contradiction within their relationships with their care recipients, which is unsurprising given the level of stress described by MGCs (e.g., Charlesworth, 2006;Neufeld et al, 2008;Riley & Bowen, 2005). MGC's reports of A-C's and O-C's influence on relationship satisfaction illustrate dialectic contradictions' fluctuation and multi-vocality.…”