Rural and Urban Elderly: Differences in the Quality of the Parent-Child Relationship

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine any differences in the quality of the relationship between rural and urban older people and their children. Data were gathered from a stratified random sample of 111 rural and 112 urban parents. For rural parents, living close to the child was the most important contributor to a high quality of relationship, followed by having an internal locus of control and low filial expectations. The internalized locus of control was the most important factor of high quality relationships with their children for urban parents. Implications for practice and education are discussed.