The nature of transmission in intergenerational relations : older persons' perspectives / Louise Bolton

• Main Author: Bolton, Louise
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Intergenerasionele transmissie; Generatiwiteit en generasionele intelligensie; Intergenerational Transmission; Generativity and Generational Intelligence
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14224

This is a secondary research study and is part of a broader project on the relational experiences between older persons and younger people. The focus of this study is on the nature of intergenerational transmission from the perspective of older persons. Intergenerational transmission is the process by which knowledge, resources and support are transferred between generations. In terms of the current study, a specific focus was not undertaken as it was the intention to determine what would emanate from the data. Transmission can take place through teaching, observation, modelling and story-telling. This process can take place both from the older to the younger generation (downwards) and from the younger to the older generation (upwards). Downward transmission from older to younger persons may serve to satisfy the need for generativity, according to the lifespan development theory. A generative need is associated with the desire to teach and mentor the younger generation and to pass on a positive legacy. Intergenerational transmission is also facilitated if generational members adopt the perspective of the generational other, according to generational intelligence theory. This research is motivated by the observation that previous studies had for the most part been conducted internationally, with little focus on intergenerational transmission. Effective intergenerational relationships and transmission have the potential to fulfil the needs both of the younger and the older generations and therefore merit investigation. Secondary data were used for this research. Data from an original study that focused on the relational experiences of older persons in relation to young adults were used. The orginal study included a sample of 18 (7 men and 11 women) older persons from the Service Centre in Potchefstroom. They were aged between 60 and 84 and were either Afrikaans- or English-speaking. Inclusion criteria also stated that the older persons had to function independently and not demonstrate any visible cognitive disability. Previous particpation in research on relational experiences with younger generations was an exclusion criterion. Data were obtained by means of the Mmogo-method®. This is a visual research method that is based on projection. Participants are provided with materials such as clay, straws and colourful beads. Based on an open-ended prompt, namely to show how they experience their relationships with persons younger than 25, visual and textual data were obtained. Secondary data analyses were conducted by using sequential and visual analysis to explore the nature of transmission from the perspective of older persons. Trustworthiness was ensured during data analysis by various methods. Conceptual coherence of the topic was ensured by using literature to support the research question and themes that emerged from the data analysis. The method of data gathering was chosen with the specific intention of attaining rich personal perspectives as well as a collective experience from participants, thus ensuring data saturation. The researcher also attempted to demonstrate integrity and transparency throughout the process by providing a clear and detailed audit trail. Both upward and downward transmissions were perceived by the older generation as being present. Both these transmissions were described as being conditionally dependent. Conditions included age, competency, regular contact, using a person-centred approach and transferring knowledge in a systematic manner. Specific commodities were transmitted from the older persons to the younger people and vice versa. The older persons transmitted skills, emotional and physical care, values and the teachings of their heritage. The older persons, in their turn, experienced young people as transferring knowledge about technology and new innovations as well as positive attitudes to their elders. Some of the older people described how they used prescriptive methods when transmitting to the younger generation whereas others felt that more faciltative methods were more effective. The older generation experienced the response of the younger generation to downward transmission as either receptive or resistant. Descriptions of their motivation for transmission to the younger generation indicated that it might be generativity or a feeling of obligation. Findings from this study could be used to facilitate programmes that promote intergenerational relationships and transmission. Findings may also be valuable in terms of stimulating further research enquiry. === MSc (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015