Non-siblings often have a reputation for being selfish. But according to a recent British study, they would be more inclined to help their elderly parents than adults who have brothers and sisters.
- Only children represented 14% of the cohort including children born in 1946, 7% of the group born in 1958 and 8% of those born in 1970.
- Girls were more likely to provide personal care to parents, such as helping with bathing, dressing, and feeding, while boys were more likely to help with practical tasks, such as repairs and payment of bills.
“Children with siblings can share the care of their aging parents, but only children must shoulder this responsibility alone. Given increasing longevity and reliance on informal care, as well as the rise in the number of single-parent families, there is a need to take a closer look at the care provided by only children.” So wrote researchers from University College London in the UK in a study published in the journal Aging and Society April 6.
As part of their work, the scientists analyzed data from more than 30,000 adults born in 1946, 1958 and 1970 who took part in three large cohorts in Britain. Their objective was to assess the care given by only children to their parents and that provided by people who had no siblings, to compare the intensity of care and the well-being of the children. For this, the authors examined the information reported by the participants at different stages of their lives, between their late 30s and early 60s.
The well-being and mental health of the two groups were similar
According to the results, only children are more likely to take care of their elderly parents (i.e. to help them with showering, cooking, cleaning, laundry or even paying the bills ) and better manage the emotional and psychological demands of this care than people belonging to siblings. Although this care is linked to poor mental health or lower well-being, the researchers found no evidence that it differs between only children and those with siblings.
“Given the pressures caregivers face, it’s reassuring to see that only children are doing just as well as children with siblings, who can share this responsibility, their time and the costs. Families with As the number of single children has increased over the past few generations, this study should provide some comfort to only children and their parents who may be concerned about future care-related pressures.” said Alice Goisis, co-author of the study, in a statement.
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