Vorhersage elternbezogener Schuldgefühle bei Kindern im mittleren Erwachsenenalter

Based on analyses of the cognitive-evaluative structure of guilt feelings and of the normative context of parent-child-relations, the present study aimed at identifying predictors of parent-related feelings of guilt in a sample of middle-aged children. 300 respondents (daughters and sons) aged 41 to 51 years were enrolled in a questionnaire study. Though, parent-related feelings of guilt were rather infrequent on the level of means, substantial interindividual differences were observed. These differences could be predicted from two sets of variables, (1) children’s self-perceived violations of filial obligations and (2) reproachful behaviours on the side of parents. About one fourth of the variance in feelings of guilt could be explained. Feelings of guilt were particularly frequent in children (in particular daughters) who had little (superficial) contact with their parents, and who avoided conflict with their parents, when – at the same time – parents were rated to be low in subjective well-being, and whose parents lived alone. In addition, feelings of guilt were enhanced with an increase in parent’s bossiness, especially when addressed to children scoring low in self-esteem. Results are discussed with respect to additional self-perceived violations of filial obligations and cognitive appraisals of responsibility, that could further improve the prediction of parent-related feelings of guilt.