Extending the Extended Family: The Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationship of Black Women

Abstract

This study investigates the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship among black women. Subjects were 75 black middle-income women. Results indicate that phone contact with the mother-in-law, the interpersonal behavior wanted inclusion, and a compliant problem solving strategy with the mother-in-law significantly predicted mother-in-law adjustment. Women, however, are most likely to use an assertive problem solving strategy, and are more compliant with mothers than with mothers-in-law. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications to mother-in-law adjustment.