Types of conflicts and tensions between older parents and adult children

What are the most common themes of conflict between aging parents and their adult children? Six types emerged in a qualitative analysis of Longitudina l Study of Generations survey data: conflicts over (1) communication and in teraction style; (2) habits and lifestyle choices; (3) child-rearing practi ces and values; (4) politics, religion, and ideology; (5) work habits and o rientations; and (6) household standards or maintenance. There were generat ional differences: parents most often listed conflicts over habits and life style choices, whereas children cited communication and interaction style. These results suggest a new agenda for gerontological research: intergenera tional conflict in the context of solidarity within aging families.