Exploring the psychology of inheritances

Three studies investigated inheritances. The first, a content analysis of 2 48 consecutive wills probated in Christchurch, indicated that people predom inantly distribute their estates within their families, often to their spou se or equally among their children. Study 2 investigated the significance 8 9 beneficiaries attached to bequests they had received. Bequests of money o r real estate were invested with less personal significance than bequests o f specific objects. Study 3 questioned 38 informants about inheritance conf licts, which turned out to be long-lasting, usually confined within familie s, and common, especially where wills did not distribute resources equally.