Emotional and relationship well-being for post-1980s Chinese mothers receiving family support for childcare: comparing tangible support and supportive communication. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: An, Zheng
• Is Part Of: Chinese journal of communication. Volume 9:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 439
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: motherhood -- tangible support -- supportive communication -- emotional well-being -- relationship quality -- mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship; Communication -- China -- Periodicals; 302.2095105
• DOI: 10.1080/17544750.2016.1202852
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-4750

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined tangible support and supportive communication as predictors of emotional well-being and relationship quality for post-1980s mothers of children less than three years old in mainland China. The sample consisted of 366 first-time mothers who participated in an online survey about their experiences in receiving support from their mothers-in-law. The results indicate that receiving tangible support from a mother-in-law had mixed effects on women's emotional well-being. Perceived supportive communication from the mother-in-law played a more significant role than tangible support in improving emotional well-being and relationship quality. Implications for social support research in relationship contexts are discussed.