Summary and General Discussion

The aim of the present study was to investigate parent-child relationships across the life span by applying an attachment theoretical point of view to the phenomenon of intergenerational solidarity. Parent-child relationships are among the first and most crucial relationships in which individuals experience support and protection (Marris, 1991). The quality of these relationships plays an important role in child and adult development. Additionally, these relationships are an important source of wellbeing for individuals from both the parent and child generation. Attachment theory suggests three a priori dimensions of attachment relationships (Hinde, 1979) along which these relationships undergo changes throughout the lifespan. Characteristics as well as changes of the intergenerational relationship have been studied in terms of direction and balance of the relationship, support exchange and solidarity, importance and penetration of the relationship, and affective aspects such as attachment and quality. Moreover, associations of these relationship characteristics and changes, especially intergenerational support exchange, with wellbeing of adult children and their parents were examined. In the current chapter, the findings of the seven presented studies are summarized and discussed. After that an analysis of strengths and limitations of the present project is given followed by a general conclusion. A final part of this chapter presents some speculations on possible societal implications of the findings of this thesis.