Understanding Communication & Aging Ch. 6

Attachment Theory

Theory of how people’s early childhood relationships influence their adult relationships

Dialectics

Tension we feel in a relationship

We may want to feel close (connectedness) or want our own freedom (autonomy)

Filial Piety

Cultural norm surrounding caring and respect for older adults

Maternal and Paternal Grandparents

Grandparents who are your mother and father’s parents

Off-time grandparenting

The act of becoming a grandparent at an early age (Age 50)

Intergroup Contact Theory

Theory that describes how and why intergenerational contact can change attitudes

Ex: Positive intergenerational conversation can improve the attitudes of young people and how they view the elderly

Taboo Topics

Subjects that are considered inappropriate to talk about in certain circumstances

Intergenerational Communication Schemas

Mental representations of the types of conversations between younger and older people

Affiliation

Connection

EX: “I love you just the way you are”

Pride

Parents’ praise and Grandchildren’s communicated pride

Ex: We have five grandchildren and we are all proud of them

Exchange

Providing for each other

EX: “The boys like to come over to grandma’s house because there is a lot of toys and a room of their own to sleep in”

Distance

Presence of absence of relational and physical space between them

Ex: “Max has recently moved away, but I love spending time with him when possible”