Adult children as informants about parent's psychosocial preferences

Utilizing data from 80 adult children-older parent dyads, this study examined the degree to which adult children could predict the psychosocial preferences of their older parents. Overall, children demonstrated good knowledge about parent preferences, although there was wide variability within the sample and across preference domains. Children underestimated how important parents considered continued enrichment and personal growth. Knowledge was associated with parents' functional status and mood. Parent, but not child, perceptions of family flexibility and cohesion were related to children's knowledge. Findings suggest that family life education and intervention programs need to address contextual factors as a means to improve intergenerational knowledge and enhance the likelihood that parent preferences are considered in care planning.