Differences in Help from Biological and Step-Children
Author Information
Author(s): Lin I-Fen, Judith Seltzer, Janecca Chin, Emily Wiemers, Anna Wiersma, V Duke Hotz
Primary Institution: Bowling Green State University
Hypothesis
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped adult children’s time help to parents based on family structure.
Conclusion
Stepchildren are less likely to provide time help compared to biological children, but both groups show similar helping behavior in certain situations.
Supporting Evidence
- Stepchildren were least likely to provide time help.
- Biological children in non-stepfamilies and stepfamilies helped equally when parents had trouble with daily living activities.
Takeaway
Biological children usually help their parents more than stepchildren, but during tough times like the pandemic, they might help equally.
Methodology
The study used a panel design to compare adult children's help to parents before and during the pandemic.
Participant Demographics
The study involved biological children and stepchildren from both non-stepfamilies and stepfamilies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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