Role modeling or reciprocity? Dyadic intergenerational transfer analysis of efficacy and support

• Published date: 01 July 2023
• Author: Rong‐Kou Liu
• Date: 01 July 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12683

RESEARCH

Role modeling or reciprocity? Dyadic

intergenerational transfer analysis of efficacy and

support

Rong-Kou Liu

Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica,

Taiwan

Correspondence

Rong-Kou Liu, Institute of Ethnology,

Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road,

Section 2, Nankang Taipei 115, Taiwan.

Email: rongkou@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective: This study examined intergenerational transmission

of family members’mutual support and family efficacy beliefs.

Background: While social exchange theory assumes that

reciprocity guides intergenerational transfers, social cogni-

tive theory posits that family efficacy beliefs and behaviors

may be acquired from vicarious experiences. This study

examined these perspectives and considered cultural con-

text and value orientations.

Method: A total of 1061 parent–adult child dyads were

drawn from 2018 data of the Panel Study of Family Dynam-

ics (Taiwan). The actor–partner interdependence model

(APIM)andpathmodelingwereusedforstatisticalanalysis.

Results: After controlling for demographic effects, parents’

parental efficacy, rather than filial efficacy, was the key contrib-

utor to adult children’s filial efficacy. No significant association

was observed between adult children’s and parents’upward

support. Considering support type, emotional connection and

housework help showed strong positive intergenerational rela-

tions. Financial provisions mainly related to filial norms.

Conclusion: Role modeling had a weak effect; the results

are primarily consistent with the reciprocal perspective on

intergenerational relations.

Implications: Although family ethics still deeply pervade

Taiwanese society, parent–adult child mutual engagement,

in addition to resources and demands, seems crucial for

perceived family efficacy and mutual support. This study

incorporates psychological factors to further explain the

relationship between family efficacy and support.

KEYWORDS

filial efficacy, intergenerational support, parent–adult child relationships,

parental efficacy

Received: 23 March 2021Revised: 14 November 2021Accepted: 5 February 2022

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12683

© 2022 National Council on Family Relations.

Family Relations. 2023;72:1049–1067. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare 1049

Despite rapid shifts in family demographics and society, support from family members remains

essential for people to deal with the challenges of daily life, unforeseen crises, and the regular

changes that occur during one’s lifetime (Fingerman et al., 2020). Parent–child relationships are

among the most important family relationships. Having good long-term parent–child relation-

ships can enhance the well-being of both generations throughout their lives (Huo et al., 2019;

Morelli et al., 2015; Thomas, 2010). Moreover, given the gradual increase in average life expec-

tancy, grown children and their parents are now likely to have decades of overlapping adult life

spans (Wiemers & Bianchi, 2015).

Transactions within the parent–child dyad are rooted in bidirectional influence. Signifi-

cantly, family efficacy—family members’confidence in managing their family relations—affects

the way in which they navigate their family life and offer mutual support across generations.

With regard to family support and efficacy, the present study adds to extant research on inter-

generational relationships in three ways. First, we studied whether generational differences exist

in levels of family efficacy belief and support exchange in today’s rapidly changing society. Sec-

ond, we examined the effects of family efficacy on intergenerational support behavior and

adopted the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) to capture family relations and the

bidirectional influence in parent–child dyads. Third, we aimed to contribute to research on the

relative and differential contributions of various family efficacy beliefs by incorporating efficacy

belief and support behavior into a path model analysis to investigate the effects ofparents’filial

and parental efficacy on children.

INTERGENERATIONAL SUPPORT

Support exchange is a central issue in intergenerational relationships throughout the lifespan

(Bengtson, 2001). Researchers have recently proposed multidimensional models of inter-

generational support, covering types of support, multiple family members, varying needs, and

the emotions involved (Fingerman et al., 2013). The various forms of support achieve two func-

tions, namely, instrumental and emotional, which are inextricably intertwined in practice

(Rossi & Rossi, 1990). Financial support, including monetary and other material transfers

across generations, is an instrumental function. Other practical and tangible forms of support

include personal care, household chores, transportation, shopping, cleaning, and childcare

(Davey et al., 2005; Swartz, 2009). Emotional or expressive support includes meeting needs for

love, affection, belonging and companionship, and providing information, advice, and guidance

(Fingerman et al., 2009; Swartz, 2009).

Support flows have been characterized in various ways. The flow of intergenerational sup-

port can be distinguished between upward support (i.e., from the child to the parent) and down-

ward support (i.e., from the parent to the child). Furthermore, the flow of intergenerational

support changes direction throughout the lifetime, based on the idea of “support banks”

(Antonucci, 1985). In young adulthood, the bulk of support may flow from the parent to the

growing child (Fingerman et al., 2017; Furstenberg et al., 2015), while in midlife, support

exchanges may be more reciprocal (Bucx et al., 2012). Finally, in late life, the parent may

become a net recipient of support from their adult child (Hogerbrugge & Silverstein, 2015).

However, these patterns may be influenced by ethnic and cultural differences. In Western

cultures, support typically flows from parents to grown children throughout much of adult-

hood, rather than the reverse (Fingerman et al., 2020; Swartz, 2009). In East Asian cultures,

family members are embedded in a network of lifelong mutual obligations. They are connected

through interdependence and support, and the norm of filial responsibility of adult children to

care for parents is emphasized (Chen & Jordan, 2019; Gans & Silverstein 2006; Kim

et al., 2015; Lee et al., 1994; Peng et al., 2019).

1050 FAMILY RELATIONS