Abstract

Purpose:

 This study examined whether recalled childhood parental emotional abuse and support were associated with emotional reactivity to network stress among middle-aged and older adults. 

Design and Methods:

 Hypotheses were tested by performing 2-level multilevel modeling analysis on 787 participants aged 33–83 who participated in the Daily Stress Project (2004–2009).

Results:

 Adult daughters who recalled more childhood emotional abuse from their mother reported a higher average level of daily emotional distress nearly a decade later. The association between network stress and emotional distress was only significant among adult daughters. This emotional reactivity was attenuated by greater childhood emotional support from mothers.

Implications:

 Recalled childhood mother–child relationship continues to influence stress and coping across the lifespan, especially among women.

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