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Anglo and Mexican-American adult children's feelings toward their aging parents
ANGLO AND MEXICAN-AMERICAN ADULT CHILDREN’S FEELINGS TOWARD THEIR AGING PARENTS SANDRA PACHECO St. Edwards University
GUY J. MANASTER University of Texas This article questions whether Anglo and Mexican-American adult males and females feel and behave differently toward their aging parents. The sample consisted of 315 Anglo and Mexican-American staff and faculty from two universities in Austin, Texas, who were between 3.5-45 years of age and had at least one living parent. Respondents were given a questionnaire that included information on (a) attachment behavior (proximity of living arrangements between adult children and their aging parents, frequency of visits and phone calls to their aging parents) and (b) feelings of attachment (level of closeness, value consensus, compatibility, and perception of parent’s personality traits). A 2 x 2 fured-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test these hypotheses of the study. Results indicated that there were statistically signtfuant differences in the way Anglo and Mexican-American children feel and behave toward their mothers and fathers. There were no differences between gender groups in the way they felt and behaved toward their mothers and fathers. ABSTRACT:
The majority of adult children provide care for their aging parents. Regardless of color, gender, creed, or socioeconomic level, adult children are willing to accept filial responsibility toward their parents’ physical, psychological or financial needs whether motivated out of a sense of love, obligation, or guilt. However, color, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status can affect the intensity of familial ties between adult children and their aging parents. Traditional families have always divided labor with the man as the provider and the woman as the caretaker of the home and children. Present mores still favor the female Direct all correspondence 78712.
to: Guy J. Manaster,
College of Education,
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES, Volume 2, Number 2, pages 121-131 Copyright @ 1988 by JAI Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. ISSN: 0890-4065.
University of Texas, Austin,
TX.
122
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
as primary caretaker (Hoffman 1977), and care of aging parents seems to be added to those demands on the female as caretaker. Most women juggle responsibilities toward parents against obligations to spouse and children (Treas 1977). When aging parents live with their children, approximately three times as many live with married daughters than with sons (Smith, cited in Wake and Sporawoski 1972). Daughters are more likely to be in contact with aging parents than sons and tend to provide more services, for example, homemaking, personal care, home health care, transportation, spiritual needs, and reading materials (Gelfand 1982). These are traditional female services and among the role expectations of females. No matter how devoted sons may be, by and large it is the daughters and daughters-in-law who provide care for the elderly parents. Studies in the 1970s indicated that Anglo and Mexican-American children behave differently toward their aging parents. In general, Mexican-American adult children live closer to their aging parents than do Anglo adult children (Cantor 1979; Sotomayor 1980). Mexican-American elderly are strongly attached to the extended family, and Mexican-American adult children have a stronger familial orientation than Anglo adult children (Carp 1970; Nunez, cited in Miranda and Ruiz 1980). However, other researchers such as Maldonado (1975) feel that the image of Mexican-American families as “warm, totally accepting” of the extended family and kin is a stereotype. More researchers are examining Mexican-Americans’ senses of filial responsibility toward their aging parents. There are contrasting data found from these studies. Alvarez (197 1) found that there is a new generation of MexicanAmericans, usually postwar babies, second generation American citizens, who identify themselves as “Chicanos.” For the first time, Mexican-Americans are significantly exceeding past generations in educational achievement, career goals, and socioeconomic levels. Alvarez (197 1) describes this generation as affluent, benefiting most from modern citizenship. He states that these Chicanos are quickly becoming “Anglocized” as they are assimilated into Anglo America. More and more Chicanos are mobile and leaving their physical “roots” because of career opportunities and achievement. They are perceived as an upwardly mobile generation. Modernization theory would suggest that this and future generations of higher status Mexican-Americans would be removed from their traditionally small, closed communities that protected their culture. Urbanization may impose similar constraints on Mexican-Americans as on Anglos. Mexican-Americans and Anglos of similar educational, career, and socioeconomic levels would tend to have less time available for extended family contacts after attending to career, nuclear family needs, and peer relationship commitments. Comparing these ethnic/racial groups, are there differences between Chicano and Anglo adult children in their behavior toward their aging parents? Proximity of living arrangements and frequency of contacts are behavioral indicators of filial ties. It is difficult to know how adult children really feel about caring for their aging parents from frequency of phone calls and visits. It cannot be assumed that all ucts of responsibility are made with the highest or most positive regard from all adult children. Feelings of adult children toward the care of their aging parents may not automatically be congruent with the behavior exhibited by adult children. This study asks whetherfeelings for aging parents differ along ethnic and gender lines, as research studies indicate for behavior.
Angloand Mexican-American
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
123
Particularly, research studies indicated Mexican-Americans and females tend to have stronger family ties compared to Anglos and males, respectively. The combination of being Mexican-American and female establishes cultural and societal expectations for the Chicana. She is expected to bear the burden for caring for aging parents. The Chicana’s own self-image of being the major provider for her aging parents may often be congruent with these external expectations. However, what happens to this concept in practice when Chicanas go to work outside the home? In order for Chicanas to break away from traditional roles and low occupational positions, they may have to adopt Anglo values and attitudes toward careers. In the process of achieving higher educational and occupational goals, what changes in behavior and feelings toward aging parents have occurred in Chicanas? The purposes of this article are: 1. To describe any differences in feelings and behavior patterns between Chicanas and Mexican-American males and Anglo adult children toward their aging parents. 2. To determine whether behavior patterns and feelings are consistent or inconsistent across ethnic and gender lines. METHOD Sample The aim of the selection process was to secure a sample of working MexicanAmerican and Anglo adult males and females, 35-45 years of age, with at least one living parent. Full-time staff and faculty from a large state university and a small, private university in Texas were selected according to these criteria. A total of 85 Mexican-Americans and 415 Anglos were mailed questionnaire packets. A total of 352 (70.5%) of 500 questionnaires were returned; of these, 37 (5 Mexican-Americans and 32 Anglos) did not fulfill all of the selection criteria and were not subjected to data analysis. Fifty-seven (61.1%) of the 85 questionnaires mailed to Mexican-Americans and 295 (7 1.1%) of 4 15 questionnaires mailed to Angles were returned. Of the total sample (N = 315), 22 (6.9%) were Mexican-American male, 30 (9.5%) were Mexican-American female, 100 (3 1.7%) were Anglo male, and 163 (5 1.7%) were Anglo female. Anglo respondents averaged 39 years of age, were primarily Protestant (73.3%), and married (65%). Anglo respondents were well educated (74% college graduate and above) and held professional-level jobs (69.4%). Mexican-Americans were generally the same ages as the Anglos, mainly Catholic (88.10/o), and had slightly higher frequency of marrieds (7 1.4%). These individuals were well educated, with 57.29% holding a college or graduate degree and 32.7% having some advanced education. An equally large proportion of Mexican-American respondents worked in professional-level positions in the university setting (69.7%). Instruments The Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire (IRQ) through which all data for this study was collected was an adapted version of Cicirelli’s (198 1) hzterview Question-
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
124
naive. The IRQ consisted of 103 items ( 100 Likert scale items plus three open-ended questions). The IRQ consisted of nine main areas. The two major sections concerned with this article were Behavior and Feelings. The 3 items pertaining to Behavior asked the adult children about proximity of parents and frequency of contact by visiting and telephoning. The second section, Feelings (20 items), included four subsections: closeness of feelings toward a parent, value consensus with the parent, feelings of compatibility in the relationship with the parent, and perception of parent’s personality traits in which the adult child was asked to indicate the degree to which the parent possessed each of 20 traits taken from Itkin’s intrafamilial survey (cited in Cicirelli 198 1). The traits were fair, selfish, envious, affectionate, helpful, sarcastic, considerate, bossy, agreeable, kind, understanding, cold, suspicious, sympathetic, courteous, trustful, lazy, careless, dependable, and reasonable. Each respondent was expected to complete each item separately for each living parent. The Cronbach alpha coefficients among the scales were relatively high (range .68 to .87).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The purpose of the data analyses were to determine (1) if Mexican-American adult children differ from Anglo adult children in the way they behave and feel toward their mothers and fathers and (2) if Anglo and Mexican-American female adult children differ from Anglo and Mexican-American male adult children in the way they feel and behave toward their mothers and fathers. A total of eight two-way analyses of variance were performed in order to determine if the subjects responded to parents differently on the variables tested for each hypothesis. Consequently, separate analyses of variance on mothers only and fathers only were performed when each variable related to the hypothesis was tested. If significant F ratios were found, post hoc analysis using Scheffe’s contrast method were performed to determine the source of the significance. Results of each hypothesis will be reported separately. HYPOTHESIS 1. Behavior
Patterns by Ethnicity. Mexican-American
children will report stronger than will Anglo children. HYPOTHESIS la.
behavior
patterns
toward
adult their aging parents
Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers by Ethnicity.
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic groups on behavior patterns toward mothers was 16.375 (p 2 .OOl> (Table 1). Post hoc comparisons (Table 2) were statistically significant; Mexican-American adult children have more positive behavior patterns toward their mothers than Anglo adult children (F = 7.5 1, p 2.006). Figure 1 indicates that Mexican-American females tend to live closer to their aging parents and call and visit their aging parents more frequently than any of the other three groups.
Anglo and Mexican-American
125
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
TABLE 1
Source Table for Attachment Behavior Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N=122) Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender
Mean Squares
df
1
127.33 1 2.5 1.970 8.641
8.274 16.374 ,562
42.218
I
42.218
2.743
Residual
1815.842
118
15.388
Total
2112.721
121
17.461
Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
254.66 1 25 1.970 8.64 1
2
F
1
Significance ofF .oo 1 .oo 1 ,455
Effect ,100
TABLE 2
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheffe Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Attachment Behavior Toward Mother* Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note:
Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
2703.00 652.00
14.15 16.30
4.33 5.28
3566.60 1086.40
*F = 7.5 1. Significance = .006 (significant
at .Ol level).
FIGURE 1. Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122).
126
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
TABLE 3
Source Table for Attachment Behavior Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122) Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance of F
248.394 236.699 21.834
2 1 1
124.197 236.699 21.834
10.367 19.757 1.822
.OOl .OOl ,180
40.108
1
40.108
3.348
,070
Residual
1413.703
118
11.981
Total
1702.205
121
14.068
Two-Way interaction Effect Ethnicity x Gender
TABLE 4
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheffe Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Attachment Behavior Toward Father* (N = 163) Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note: *F = 2
I .96.
Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
1697.00 487.00
12.76 16.23
3.39 4.72
1518.30 647.37
Significance
=
.OOOO (significant
at .O
I level)
10
FIGURE 2. Behavior Patterns Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Group.
Anglo and Mexican-American
127
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
HYPOTHESIS lb. Behavior Patterns Toward Fathers by Ethnici&
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic group on behavior patterns toward fathers was 19.757 @ L .OOl) (Table 3). Post hoc comparisons (Table 4) computed for these ethnic groups were statistically significant; Mexican-American adult children have stronger behavior patterns toward their fathers (F = 2 1.96, p 2 .OOOl). Figure 2 indicates that the Mexican-American female group again scored highest of the three groups; they live closer to and more frequently visit and call their fathers.
HYPOTHESIS~. Feelings by Ethnicity. There will be no statistically signiticant differences between Mexican-American and Anglo children in feelings toward their parents. HYPOTHESIS 2a. Feelings Toward Mothers by Ethnicity.
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic groups on feelings toward mothers was 5.395 @ > .02) (Table 5). Post hoc comparisons (Table 6) for differences between the means of Anglo and Mexican-American respondents are not statistically significant (F = 2.54, p 1 .I 1). The Scheffe test for comparisons may not detect significant differences when significant differences were found on the analysis of variance test, since the Scheffe is not as powerful as analysis of variance (Roscoe 1969). Figure 3, however, indicates that although the Mexican-American and Anglo groups are similar in their feelings toward their mothers, the Mexican-American female group continued to score highest. Mexican-American females tend to feel the closest of the four groups to their mothers in matters of (a) value consensus, (b) agreeing in their opinions and ideas, (c) feelings of closeness, and (d) the positiveness of perceptions of their mother’s personality traits.
TABLE 5
Feelings of Attachment Toward Mother by Ethnic and Gender Groups Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance ofF
3.716 5.385 I.525
,027 ,022 ,219
,166
.685
42.445 30.757 8.71 I
2 1
21.223 30.757 8.711
.947
3
,947
I
Effect
Residual
673.937
118
5.710
Total
7 17.325
121
5.930
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
128
TABLE
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
6
Post Hoc Comparjsons (Schefftl Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Feelings of Attachment Toward Mother* Variable _____I~.--.“-~-
SWll
Anglo Mexican-American
2976.4330 582.1167
Mean
SD Sum of Squares ~~~.____
13.84 14.55
2.64 2.22
1496.286 193.059
Note: *F = 2.54. Sign~~ca~c~ = 223.
FIGURE 3. Feelings of A~achment Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups.
The Fratio for the main effects by ethnic groups on feelings toward fathers was 7.44 0,2: .007) (Table 7). Post hoc comparisons (Table 8) were statistically significant (F = 4.79, p L .02). Mexican- Ame~can males and females feel closer, and Figure 4 indicates that the Mexican-American female group scored the highest of the three groups in their feelings toward their fathers
Anglo and Mexican-American
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
129
TABLE 7
Feelings of Attachment Toward Father by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122) Sum of Sauares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance ofF
49.531 49.128 ,004
2 I 1
24.769 49.128 ,004
3.75 I 1.440 ,001
,026 ,007 ,981
,002
3
16.513
2.501
.063
Effect
Residual
719.171
118
6.600
Total
929.7 16
121
6.850
TABLE 8
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheff6 Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Feelings of Attachment Toward Father* Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
1922.01 409.30
12.8994 14.1138
2.900 I.562
1245.3813 68.3917
Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note:
‘F=
4.795.
FlgL’F
Significance
1.
icrllngr
=
Toward
,029
ratr’trr
(significant
,”
tt*nlc
at .05
ana
level)
Gender
GV”DS
FIGURE 4. Feelings Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Groups.
130
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
HYPOTHESISX Behavior Patterns by Gender.
Females will report stronger behavior patterns toward their aging parents than males, in both Anglo and Mexican-American samples. HYPOTHESIS 3a. Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers and Fathers by Gender.
The F ratio for the main effects, by gender group on behavior patterns toward mothers and fathers, was not significant (Tables 1 and 3). Females did not differ from males in the way they behave toward their mothers or fathers. HYPOTHESIS4. Feelings by Gender.
toward their aging parents samples.
Females will report stronger feelings in both Anglo and Mexican-American
HYPOTHESIS da. Feelings Toward Mothers and Fathers by Gender.
The F ratio for main effects by males and females on feelings toward mothers and fathers, was not significant (Tables 5 and 7). Females and males did not differ in the way they feel toward their mothers or fathers. CONCLUSION The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences would be found between ethnic and gender groups in their behavior and feelings toward their aging parents. More specifically, this article focused on the nontraditional, careeroriented Chicana and whether or not she continues to behave in traditional ways or more similarly to Anglo adult children. The results of this study showed findings both consistent and inconsistent with research studies found in the literature. It is important to note that subjects in this sample, particularly Mexican-Americans, and many of their parents, are not “average” and “typical” adult children of aging parents of their ethnic groups. These middle and upper middle-class adult children have some college to graduate degrees, hold higher status positions, and earn above-average incomes. These socioeconomic characteristics are key to understanding and putting in context this study’s findings: statistically significant differences between ethnic groups, with Chicanos scoring higher than Anglos on behavior patterns and feelings toward their mothers and fathers, and no statistically significant gender differences. Analysis of the means for each of the four groups (Anglo females and males, and Mexican-American females and males) showed the Mexican-American female group consistently highest in their behavior patterns and feelings toward their mothers and fathers. That is, Chicanas tended to (a) live closest in proximity to their parents; (b) most frequently visit and telephone their parents; (c) feel closest; (d) be most similar in opinions and ideas; (e) be most compatible; and (f) perceive their parent’s personality traits in the most positive manner as compared to Anglo adult children as well as Mexican-American male adult children. Whether externally or self-imposed, the successful, upper-middle-class Chicanas in this sample continue to behave and feel in ways that establish them in their traditional
Anglo and Mexican-American
Adult Children’s
Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
131
role as major providers for their aging parents. It is important to consider how these feelings and behaviors toward their parents affect the demands placed on them in other areas such as career choices, social relationships, and immediate family needs. Do strong behavior and feelings toward parents conflict or compliment career needs? At least as far as this sample indicates, at this stage in their modernization and assimilation the Mexican-American middle class maintains stronger filial ties with aging parents than does the majority group, whose behaviors and filial feelings remain strong. Whether this is a step in a process that will eventuate in no differences between the
ethnic groups cannot be determined by this study. However, this study does lead to a concern that Chicanas will have to bear an unusually heavy burden if they are to maintain their traditional role as extraordinary adult children to their aging parents and also as modern professional women, as the Chicanas in this sample are doing.
REFERENCES Alvarez, R. 197 1. “The Unique Psycho-Historical Experience of the Mexican-American People.” Social Science Quarterly 52: 15-29. Cantor, M.H. 1979. “The Informal Support System of New York’s Inner City Elderly: Is Ethnicity a Factor?” In Ethnic@ and Aging: Theory, Research, and Policy, edited be D.E. Gelfand and A.J. Kutzik. New York: Springer. Carp, F.M. 1970. “Communicating with Elderly Mexican-Americans.” The Gerontologist lO(2): 126-134.
Cicirelli, V.G. 1981. Helping EMerly Parents: The Role of Adult Children. Auburn House Publishing. Gelfand, D.E. 1982. Aging: The Ethnic Factor. Boston: Little, Brown. Hoffman, L.W. 1977. “Changes in Family Roles, Socialization, and Sex Differences.” American Psychologist: 644-657.
Maldonado, D., Jr. 1975. “The Chicano Aged.” Social York 20: 213-216. Miranda, A., and R. Ruiz. 198 1. Chicano Aging and Mental Health. Rockville, MD: National Institute of Mental Health. Roscoe, J.T. 1969. Fundamental Research Statisticsfor the Behavioral Sciences. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Sotomayor, M. 1980. “Alternative Models of Service Delivery for Hispanic Elderly.” Paper presented at the National Hispanic Conference on Aging and Mental Health, Miami, March. Treas, J. 1977. “Family Support Systems for the Aged.” Z%eGerontologist 17(6): 486-49 1. Wake, S.B., and M. Sporokowski. 1972. “An Intergenerational Comparison of Attitudes Supporting Aged Parents.” Journal of Marriage and the Family 34: 42-47.
GUY J. MANASTER University of Texas This article questions whether Anglo and Mexican-American adult males and females feel and behave differently toward their aging parents. The sample consisted of 315 Anglo and Mexican-American staff and faculty from two universities in Austin, Texas, who were between 3.5-45 years of age and had at least one living parent. Respondents were given a questionnaire that included information on (a) attachment behavior (proximity of living arrangements between adult children and their aging parents, frequency of visits and phone calls to their aging parents) and (b) feelings of attachment (level of closeness, value consensus, compatibility, and perception of parent’s personality traits). A 2 x 2 fured-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test these hypotheses of the study. Results indicated that there were statistically signtfuant differences in the way Anglo and Mexican-American children feel and behave toward their mothers and fathers. There were no differences between gender groups in the way they felt and behaved toward their mothers and fathers. ABSTRACT:
The majority of adult children provide care for their aging parents. Regardless of color, gender, creed, or socioeconomic level, adult children are willing to accept filial responsibility toward their parents’ physical, psychological or financial needs whether motivated out of a sense of love, obligation, or guilt. However, color, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status can affect the intensity of familial ties between adult children and their aging parents. Traditional families have always divided labor with the man as the provider and the woman as the caretaker of the home and children. Present mores still favor the female Direct all correspondence 78712.
to: Guy J. Manaster,
College of Education,
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES, Volume 2, Number 2, pages 121-131 Copyright @ 1988 by JAI Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. ISSN: 0890-4065.
University of Texas, Austin,
TX.
122
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
as primary caretaker (Hoffman 1977), and care of aging parents seems to be added to those demands on the female as caretaker. Most women juggle responsibilities toward parents against obligations to spouse and children (Treas 1977). When aging parents live with their children, approximately three times as many live with married daughters than with sons (Smith, cited in Wake and Sporawoski 1972). Daughters are more likely to be in contact with aging parents than sons and tend to provide more services, for example, homemaking, personal care, home health care, transportation, spiritual needs, and reading materials (Gelfand 1982). These are traditional female services and among the role expectations of females. No matter how devoted sons may be, by and large it is the daughters and daughters-in-law who provide care for the elderly parents. Studies in the 1970s indicated that Anglo and Mexican-American children behave differently toward their aging parents. In general, Mexican-American adult children live closer to their aging parents than do Anglo adult children (Cantor 1979; Sotomayor 1980). Mexican-American elderly are strongly attached to the extended family, and Mexican-American adult children have a stronger familial orientation than Anglo adult children (Carp 1970; Nunez, cited in Miranda and Ruiz 1980). However, other researchers such as Maldonado (1975) feel that the image of Mexican-American families as “warm, totally accepting” of the extended family and kin is a stereotype. More researchers are examining Mexican-Americans’ senses of filial responsibility toward their aging parents. There are contrasting data found from these studies. Alvarez (197 1) found that there is a new generation of MexicanAmericans, usually postwar babies, second generation American citizens, who identify themselves as “Chicanos.” For the first time, Mexican-Americans are significantly exceeding past generations in educational achievement, career goals, and socioeconomic levels. Alvarez (197 1) describes this generation as affluent, benefiting most from modern citizenship. He states that these Chicanos are quickly becoming “Anglocized” as they are assimilated into Anglo America. More and more Chicanos are mobile and leaving their physical “roots” because of career opportunities and achievement. They are perceived as an upwardly mobile generation. Modernization theory would suggest that this and future generations of higher status Mexican-Americans would be removed from their traditionally small, closed communities that protected their culture. Urbanization may impose similar constraints on Mexican-Americans as on Anglos. Mexican-Americans and Anglos of similar educational, career, and socioeconomic levels would tend to have less time available for extended family contacts after attending to career, nuclear family needs, and peer relationship commitments. Comparing these ethnic/racial groups, are there differences between Chicano and Anglo adult children in their behavior toward their aging parents? Proximity of living arrangements and frequency of contacts are behavioral indicators of filial ties. It is difficult to know how adult children really feel about caring for their aging parents from frequency of phone calls and visits. It cannot be assumed that all ucts of responsibility are made with the highest or most positive regard from all adult children. Feelings of adult children toward the care of their aging parents may not automatically be congruent with the behavior exhibited by adult children. This study asks whetherfeelings for aging parents differ along ethnic and gender lines, as research studies indicate for behavior.
Angloand Mexican-American
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
123
Particularly, research studies indicated Mexican-Americans and females tend to have stronger family ties compared to Anglos and males, respectively. The combination of being Mexican-American and female establishes cultural and societal expectations for the Chicana. She is expected to bear the burden for caring for aging parents. The Chicana’s own self-image of being the major provider for her aging parents may often be congruent with these external expectations. However, what happens to this concept in practice when Chicanas go to work outside the home? In order for Chicanas to break away from traditional roles and low occupational positions, they may have to adopt Anglo values and attitudes toward careers. In the process of achieving higher educational and occupational goals, what changes in behavior and feelings toward aging parents have occurred in Chicanas? The purposes of this article are: 1. To describe any differences in feelings and behavior patterns between Chicanas and Mexican-American males and Anglo adult children toward their aging parents. 2. To determine whether behavior patterns and feelings are consistent or inconsistent across ethnic and gender lines. METHOD Sample The aim of the selection process was to secure a sample of working MexicanAmerican and Anglo adult males and females, 35-45 years of age, with at least one living parent. Full-time staff and faculty from a large state university and a small, private university in Texas were selected according to these criteria. A total of 85 Mexican-Americans and 415 Anglos were mailed questionnaire packets. A total of 352 (70.5%) of 500 questionnaires were returned; of these, 37 (5 Mexican-Americans and 32 Anglos) did not fulfill all of the selection criteria and were not subjected to data analysis. Fifty-seven (61.1%) of the 85 questionnaires mailed to Mexican-Americans and 295 (7 1.1%) of 4 15 questionnaires mailed to Angles were returned. Of the total sample (N = 315), 22 (6.9%) were Mexican-American male, 30 (9.5%) were Mexican-American female, 100 (3 1.7%) were Anglo male, and 163 (5 1.7%) were Anglo female. Anglo respondents averaged 39 years of age, were primarily Protestant (73.3%), and married (65%). Anglo respondents were well educated (74% college graduate and above) and held professional-level jobs (69.4%). Mexican-Americans were generally the same ages as the Anglos, mainly Catholic (88.10/o), and had slightly higher frequency of marrieds (7 1.4%). These individuals were well educated, with 57.29% holding a college or graduate degree and 32.7% having some advanced education. An equally large proportion of Mexican-American respondents worked in professional-level positions in the university setting (69.7%). Instruments The Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire (IRQ) through which all data for this study was collected was an adapted version of Cicirelli’s (198 1) hzterview Question-
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
124
naive. The IRQ consisted of 103 items ( 100 Likert scale items plus three open-ended questions). The IRQ consisted of nine main areas. The two major sections concerned with this article were Behavior and Feelings. The 3 items pertaining to Behavior asked the adult children about proximity of parents and frequency of contact by visiting and telephoning. The second section, Feelings (20 items), included four subsections: closeness of feelings toward a parent, value consensus with the parent, feelings of compatibility in the relationship with the parent, and perception of parent’s personality traits in which the adult child was asked to indicate the degree to which the parent possessed each of 20 traits taken from Itkin’s intrafamilial survey (cited in Cicirelli 198 1). The traits were fair, selfish, envious, affectionate, helpful, sarcastic, considerate, bossy, agreeable, kind, understanding, cold, suspicious, sympathetic, courteous, trustful, lazy, careless, dependable, and reasonable. Each respondent was expected to complete each item separately for each living parent. The Cronbach alpha coefficients among the scales were relatively high (range .68 to .87).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The purpose of the data analyses were to determine (1) if Mexican-American adult children differ from Anglo adult children in the way they behave and feel toward their mothers and fathers and (2) if Anglo and Mexican-American female adult children differ from Anglo and Mexican-American male adult children in the way they feel and behave toward their mothers and fathers. A total of eight two-way analyses of variance were performed in order to determine if the subjects responded to parents differently on the variables tested for each hypothesis. Consequently, separate analyses of variance on mothers only and fathers only were performed when each variable related to the hypothesis was tested. If significant F ratios were found, post hoc analysis using Scheffe’s contrast method were performed to determine the source of the significance. Results of each hypothesis will be reported separately. HYPOTHESIS 1. Behavior
Patterns by Ethnicity. Mexican-American
children will report stronger than will Anglo children. HYPOTHESIS la.
behavior
patterns
toward
adult their aging parents
Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers by Ethnicity.
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic groups on behavior patterns toward mothers was 16.375 (p 2 .OOl> (Table 1). Post hoc comparisons (Table 2) were statistically significant; Mexican-American adult children have more positive behavior patterns toward their mothers than Anglo adult children (F = 7.5 1, p 2.006). Figure 1 indicates that Mexican-American females tend to live closer to their aging parents and call and visit their aging parents more frequently than any of the other three groups.
Anglo and Mexican-American
125
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
TABLE 1
Source Table for Attachment Behavior Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N=122) Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender
Mean Squares
df
1
127.33 1 2.5 1.970 8.641
8.274 16.374 ,562
42.218
I
42.218
2.743
Residual
1815.842
118
15.388
Total
2112.721
121
17.461
Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
254.66 1 25 1.970 8.64 1
2
F
1
Significance ofF .oo 1 .oo 1 ,455
Effect ,100
TABLE 2
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheffe Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Attachment Behavior Toward Mother* Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note:
Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
2703.00 652.00
14.15 16.30
4.33 5.28
3566.60 1086.40
*F = 7.5 1. Significance = .006 (significant
at .Ol level).
FIGURE 1. Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122).
126
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
TABLE 3
Source Table for Attachment Behavior Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122) Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance of F
248.394 236.699 21.834
2 1 1
124.197 236.699 21.834
10.367 19.757 1.822
.OOl .OOl ,180
40.108
1
40.108
3.348
,070
Residual
1413.703
118
11.981
Total
1702.205
121
14.068
Two-Way interaction Effect Ethnicity x Gender
TABLE 4
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheffe Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Attachment Behavior Toward Father* (N = 163) Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note: *F = 2
I .96.
Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
1697.00 487.00
12.76 16.23
3.39 4.72
1518.30 647.37
Significance
=
.OOOO (significant
at .O
I level)
10
FIGURE 2. Behavior Patterns Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Group.
Anglo and Mexican-American
127
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
HYPOTHESIS lb. Behavior Patterns Toward Fathers by Ethnici&
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic group on behavior patterns toward fathers was 19.757 @ L .OOl) (Table 3). Post hoc comparisons (Table 4) computed for these ethnic groups were statistically significant; Mexican-American adult children have stronger behavior patterns toward their fathers (F = 2 1.96, p 2 .OOOl). Figure 2 indicates that the Mexican-American female group again scored highest of the three groups; they live closer to and more frequently visit and call their fathers.
HYPOTHESIS~. Feelings by Ethnicity. There will be no statistically signiticant differences between Mexican-American and Anglo children in feelings toward their parents. HYPOTHESIS 2a. Feelings Toward Mothers by Ethnicity.
The F ratio for the main effect by ethnic groups on feelings toward mothers was 5.395 @ > .02) (Table 5). Post hoc comparisons (Table 6) for differences between the means of Anglo and Mexican-American respondents are not statistically significant (F = 2.54, p 1 .I 1). The Scheffe test for comparisons may not detect significant differences when significant differences were found on the analysis of variance test, since the Scheffe is not as powerful as analysis of variance (Roscoe 1969). Figure 3, however, indicates that although the Mexican-American and Anglo groups are similar in their feelings toward their mothers, the Mexican-American female group continued to score highest. Mexican-American females tend to feel the closest of the four groups to their mothers in matters of (a) value consensus, (b) agreeing in their opinions and ideas, (c) feelings of closeness, and (d) the positiveness of perceptions of their mother’s personality traits.
TABLE 5
Feelings of Attachment Toward Mother by Ethnic and Gender Groups Sum of Squares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance ofF
3.716 5.385 I.525
,027 ,022 ,219
,166
.685
42.445 30.757 8.71 I
2 1
21.223 30.757 8.711
.947
3
,947
I
Effect
Residual
673.937
118
5.710
Total
7 17.325
121
5.930
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
128
TABLE
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
6
Post Hoc Comparjsons (Schefftl Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Feelings of Attachment Toward Mother* Variable _____I~.--.“-~-
SWll
Anglo Mexican-American
2976.4330 582.1167
Mean
SD Sum of Squares ~~~.____
13.84 14.55
2.64 2.22
1496.286 193.059
Note: *F = 2.54. Sign~~ca~c~ = 223.
FIGURE 3. Feelings of A~achment Toward Mothers by Ethnic and Gender Groups.
The Fratio for the main effects by ethnic groups on feelings toward fathers was 7.44 0,2: .007) (Table 7). Post hoc comparisons (Table 8) were statistically significant (F = 4.79, p L .02). Mexican- Ame~can males and females feel closer, and Figure 4 indicates that the Mexican-American female group scored the highest of the three groups in their feelings toward their fathers
Anglo and Mexican-American
Adult Children’s Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
129
TABLE 7
Feelings of Attachment Toward Father by Ethnic and Gender Groups (N = 122) Sum of Sauares
Source of Variation Main Effects Ethnicity Gender Two-Way Interaction Ethnicity x Gender
df
Mean Squares
F
Significance ofF
49.531 49.128 ,004
2 I 1
24.769 49.128 ,004
3.75 I 1.440 ,001
,026 ,007 ,981
,002
3
16.513
2.501
.063
Effect
Residual
719.171
118
6.600
Total
929.7 16
121
6.850
TABLE 8
Post Hoc Comparisons (Scheff6 Test) Between Ethnic Groups on Feelings of Attachment Toward Father* Sum
Mean
SD
Sum of Squares
1922.01 409.30
12.8994 14.1138
2.900 I.562
1245.3813 68.3917
Variable Anglo Mexican-American Note:
‘F=
4.795.
FlgL’F
Significance
1.
icrllngr
=
Toward
,029
ratr’trr
(significant
,”
tt*nlc
at .05
ana
level)
Gender
GV”DS
FIGURE 4. Feelings Toward Fathers by Ethnic and Gender Groups.
130
JOURNAL OF AGING STUDIES
Vol. ~/NO. 211988
HYPOTHESISX Behavior Patterns by Gender.
Females will report stronger behavior patterns toward their aging parents than males, in both Anglo and Mexican-American samples. HYPOTHESIS 3a. Behavior Patterns Toward Mothers and Fathers by Gender.
The F ratio for the main effects, by gender group on behavior patterns toward mothers and fathers, was not significant (Tables 1 and 3). Females did not differ from males in the way they behave toward their mothers or fathers. HYPOTHESIS4. Feelings by Gender.
toward their aging parents samples.
Females will report stronger feelings in both Anglo and Mexican-American
HYPOTHESIS da. Feelings Toward Mothers and Fathers by Gender.
The F ratio for main effects by males and females on feelings toward mothers and fathers, was not significant (Tables 5 and 7). Females and males did not differ in the way they feel toward their mothers or fathers. CONCLUSION The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences would be found between ethnic and gender groups in their behavior and feelings toward their aging parents. More specifically, this article focused on the nontraditional, careeroriented Chicana and whether or not she continues to behave in traditional ways or more similarly to Anglo adult children. The results of this study showed findings both consistent and inconsistent with research studies found in the literature. It is important to note that subjects in this sample, particularly Mexican-Americans, and many of their parents, are not “average” and “typical” adult children of aging parents of their ethnic groups. These middle and upper middle-class adult children have some college to graduate degrees, hold higher status positions, and earn above-average incomes. These socioeconomic characteristics are key to understanding and putting in context this study’s findings: statistically significant differences between ethnic groups, with Chicanos scoring higher than Anglos on behavior patterns and feelings toward their mothers and fathers, and no statistically significant gender differences. Analysis of the means for each of the four groups (Anglo females and males, and Mexican-American females and males) showed the Mexican-American female group consistently highest in their behavior patterns and feelings toward their mothers and fathers. That is, Chicanas tended to (a) live closest in proximity to their parents; (b) most frequently visit and telephone their parents; (c) feel closest; (d) be most similar in opinions and ideas; (e) be most compatible; and (f) perceive their parent’s personality traits in the most positive manner as compared to Anglo adult children as well as Mexican-American male adult children. Whether externally or self-imposed, the successful, upper-middle-class Chicanas in this sample continue to behave and feel in ways that establish them in their traditional
Anglo and Mexican-American
Adult Children’s
Feelings Toward Their Aging Parents
131
role as major providers for their aging parents. It is important to consider how these feelings and behaviors toward their parents affect the demands placed on them in other areas such as career choices, social relationships, and immediate family needs. Do strong behavior and feelings toward parents conflict or compliment career needs? At least as far as this sample indicates, at this stage in their modernization and assimilation the Mexican-American middle class maintains stronger filial ties with aging parents than does the majority group, whose behaviors and filial feelings remain strong. Whether this is a step in a process that will eventuate in no differences between the
ethnic groups cannot be determined by this study. However, this study does lead to a concern that Chicanas will have to bear an unusually heavy burden if they are to maintain their traditional role as extraordinary adult children to their aging parents and also as modern professional women, as the Chicanas in this sample are doing.
REFERENCES Alvarez, R. 197 1. “The Unique Psycho-Historical Experience of the Mexican-American People.” Social Science Quarterly 52: 15-29. Cantor, M.H. 1979. “The Informal Support System of New York’s Inner City Elderly: Is Ethnicity a Factor?” In Ethnic@ and Aging: Theory, Research, and Policy, edited be D.E. Gelfand and A.J. Kutzik. New York: Springer. Carp, F.M. 1970. “Communicating with Elderly Mexican-Americans.” The Gerontologist lO(2): 126-134.
Cicirelli, V.G. 1981. Helping EMerly Parents: The Role of Adult Children. Auburn House Publishing. Gelfand, D.E. 1982. Aging: The Ethnic Factor. Boston: Little, Brown. Hoffman, L.W. 1977. “Changes in Family Roles, Socialization, and Sex Differences.” American Psychologist: 644-657.
Maldonado, D., Jr. 1975. “The Chicano Aged.” Social York 20: 213-216. Miranda, A., and R. Ruiz. 198 1. Chicano Aging and Mental Health. Rockville, MD: National Institute of Mental Health. Roscoe, J.T. 1969. Fundamental Research Statisticsfor the Behavioral Sciences. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Sotomayor, M. 1980. “Alternative Models of Service Delivery for Hispanic Elderly.” Paper presented at the National Hispanic Conference on Aging and Mental Health, Miami, March. Treas, J. 1977. “Family Support Systems for the Aged.” Z%eGerontologist 17(6): 486-49 1. Wake, S.B., and M. Sporokowski. 1972. “An Intergenerational Comparison of Attitudes Supporting Aged Parents.” Journal of Marriage and the Family 34: 42-47.