Exploring the Sense of Relationship Entitlement in Aging Parents
The concept of entitlement in relationships, particularly between aging parents and their adult children, is a fascinating area of study that has been explored in recent research. The study titled "Sense of Relationship Entitlement of Aging Parents Toward Their Offspring (SRE-ao)—A New Concept and Measurement Tool" provides valuable insights into how entitlement attitudes can affect these relationships. This blog post will delve into the findings of this research and discuss how practitioners can apply these insights to improve outcomes for families.
Key Findings from the Research
The research developed a self-report scale, the SRE-ao, to assess the extent to which older adults expect their children to fulfill their needs and wishes. The study involved 1,006 participants aged 65–99, revealing significant associations between entitlement attitudes and various mental health constructs.
- Construct Validity: The SRE-ao demonstrated good construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis, supporting its use in clinical settings.
- Mental Health Associations: Both inflated and restricted senses of entitlement were positively associated with anxiety, depression, and somatization. These findings suggest that an imbalanced sense of entitlement may contribute to mental distress.
- Social Relationships: The study found that a restricted sense of entitlement was negatively associated with a sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of social connections for mental well-being.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, understanding the dynamics of entitlement in parent-child relationships can be crucial in developing effective interventions. Here are some ways to apply these findings:
- Assessment Tools: Incorporate the SRE-ao scale into assessments to identify entitlement attitudes that may impact family dynamics.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Develop interventions that address both inflated and restricted entitlement attitudes, focusing on enhancing communication and reducing mental distress.
- Promoting Social Connections: Encourage activities that foster a sense of belonging and community involvement to mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a solid foundation, further research is needed to explore the causal relationships between entitlement attitudes and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights into how these attitudes evolve over time and their impact on family relationships.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Sense of Relationship Entitlement of Aging Parents Toward Their Offspring (SRE-ao)—A New Concept and Measurement Tool.
