Adult Daughters' Relationships with Their Mothers

Using a three-item index of rapport, perceived relationships to mothers of 171 women ages 35-55 were examined, for the sample as a whole and for six subgroups who differed in their role patterns. Overall, relationships were seen as rewarding, particularly by women who were not themselves mothers. Age of daughter was not significantly related to maternal rapport scores. Mother's health was significantly correlated with maternal rapport scores; mother's marital status (widowed vs. currently married) was not. Psychological well-being, indexed by two factor scores-sense of mastery and pleasure-was significantly correlated with maternal rapport; the relationships were stronger for women who were not mothers themselves. Implications of the findings for understanding the gratifications adult women experience in the role of daughter are discussed.