Assessment of Intergenerational Relations in Terms of Systemic Family Counseling

With the demographic change, the aging of the population and the increase in average life expectancy, the spread of multi-generational family structure in societies has increased the importance of intergenerational relationships. Intergenerational relations in the families appear as solidarity and conflict and need to be managed. Since one of the problems encountered in family life arises in the field of management of intergenerational relations, intergenerational relations in the family have become an important issue in terms of family counseling. Families deal with the care burden of elderly parents, receiving support from elderly parents in caring for children. There may be conflicts on these issues and families may need counseling services. Thus, this study aims to examine intergenerational relations in the families from the systemic perspective of family counseling theories. In today's society, the number of families with three or even four generations is increasing day by day. It has been concluded that the importance of assessment of intergenerational relationships in the field of family counseling is undeniable and it is necessary to produce policies that reduce intergenerational conflicts and provide solutions to both the physical, social and psychological needs of these families. Professionals working in this field should consider intergenerational solidarity, which is included in the concept of intergenerational relations, in all its dimensions and assess it in the field of family counseling, and efforts to transform intergenerational conflict into solidarity should be increased throughout society.