Related Experiment Videos
The psychological consequences of multiple roles: the nonnormative case
1Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin at Madison 53706, USA. jinkuk@waisman.wisc.edu
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Caring for adult children with mental retardation for decades, aging mothers experienced less depression when holding multiple roles. This finding supports the role accumulation hypothesis for psychological well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Multiple roles are linked to psychological well-being in the general population.
- Caregiving for individuals with mental retardation presents a unique, long-term role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of multiple roles on psychological well-being in aging mothers of adult children with mental retardation.
- To test the role accumulation hypothesis in a nonnormative caregiving context.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of aging mothers with adult children with mental retardation.
- Statistical control for previous levels of depression.
Main Results:
- Holding multiple roles was significantly and negatively associated with depression.
- This association remained significant after controlling for prior depression levels.
Conclusions:
- The role accumulation hypothesis is supported, even in this sample of long-term caregivers.
- Multiple roles positively influence psychological well-being among aging mothers with lifelong caregiving responsibilities.