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1. USC 505, Unit 9, Laura O’Brien 7/8/13
The Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation
Challenges and coping strategies of multigenerational families
Bowen, C. and Riley, L. (2002)

2. what is the sandwich
generation?
“The sandwich generation refers to individuals
who, by dint of circumstances, find themselves in
the position of being caregivers for their young
children and/or adult children as well as one or
both of aging parents. The individuals of the
sandwich generation tend to be in the 40 to 65
years of age group.”(p.178)

3. new trends in families
• ~~ People live longer
~~People are delaying marriage
~~There are more adult children choosing to live at home during
college years
~~ There is an increased numbers of adult children returning
home after divorce.
“As a result of these trends, greater numbers of middle-aged adults are
faced with the challenge of balancing the needs of their own children with
the demands and needs of aging parents.”

4. as a result...
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• This puts an unexpected drain on the family in medical expenses relatedThis puts an unexpected drain on the family in medical expenses related
to their elderly parents causing financial hardship and stress.to their elderly parents causing financial hardship and stress.

5. pros and cons
the up-side
the up-side
In reference Erikson’s stage 7, the generativity verses stagnation conflict, where the
strength that can be developed is the capacity to care, or have concern for others.
Otherwise, a sense of stagnation and self-indulgence develops reflecting interpersonal
impoverishment.
“According to Erikson, the most fundamental component of generativity is caring for
others.He also asserted that generative individuals have a need to help others. As a
result, they are more likely to possess a positive attitude about aging parents and
caregiving, which leads to a more proactive approach in seeking resources for elder
care”(Bowen Riley, 2002).
Generative women reported fewer burdens in caring for aging parents and
demonstrated a greater awareness of community resources to include elder care
programs.
One of the most significant findings of this study was that generative women also
possessed a strong sense of support and care from members of their immediate
communities.
Both the sandwich-generation adult children and aging parents provided help to each
other. The category of support that emerged at the forefront of benefits was
emotional assistance.

6. Pros and Cons: the down side
“Twenty-two million families have at least one person who is a caregiver for an
older member of the family” (National Alliance for Caregiving and the AmericanAssociation of
Retired Persons, 1997).
Family caregivers are at risk for a range of mental health problems, including
depression and anxiety, as a result of increased stress and high demands. Studies
show women caregivers in particular are at high risk.
This effects middle-aged adults who are typically at the peak of their careers and
are facing extensive demands in their workplace
There is an impact on the overall lifestyle of middle-aged adults, including
personal time, career development, and financial stability
Women’s experiences in different roles (wife, mother and employee) have
potential to both increase and decrease the effects of parent-care stress and
depression.

7. The Sandwich Generation
More and more people are now caring for their aging parents, while supporting their own children. They are known as the Sandwich Generation.
Date: 9/21/11
Video by: NBC Los Angeles
NBC Los Angeles
NBC Los Angeles
NBC Los Angeles
NBC Los Angeles
http://www.bing.com/videos/browse?mkt=en-usvid=98bc989f-5275-4974-93a9-
cb1060274de3from=sharepermalinksrc=v5:share:sharepermalink:

8. unexpected: realistic example
• Retired, Patti Eddie “winter” in Florida and spend the rest of the year in the family home in
Massachusetts. Most of the family is in Massachusetts.
• Their 3 children are between the ages of 40 and 47. Their grandchildren are aged between 2 years old to
22 years old.
• Patti (67) develops chronic respiratory problems; has hearing loss, requiring hearing aids; and has a
minor stroke with no evident damaging effects.
• Eddie (73) a Korean War and Viet Nam War Navy vet collapses suddenly. Patti calls 911, and Eddie is
immediately intubated as his O2 level goes into the 70’s (it should never be below 90, especially at sea
level). He has chronic pulmonary fibrosis from Agent Orange.
• Not only does he need someone to advocate for him, Patti needs help emotionally and physically. He
remains in acute ICU for 3 months; 3 more months recovery rehab.
• Their children step in. It’s decided between the 3, the eldest sibling will remain to care for the parents as
her children are older (high school and over).
• She, however, loses her job due to the lengthy nature of care needed. Her marriage suffers under the
strain as well. Her youngest is struggling with the pressures of applying for colleges and adolescence. She
is unsupported and feeling as if she can’t fulfill her obligations

9. Meet Eddie (73) Patti (67):
3 children 6 grandchildren
3 children 6 grandchildren
coping with sudden
and
chronic illness

10. differences: women vs. men
• Men typically support aging family members financially
• Women are more likely to support their parents emotionally and in daily
tasks such as household chores, shopping, and basic hygiene
• Women make up 75% of the caregivers--- caring for aging parents, their
children and, in some instances, grandchildren

11. strengths and weaknesses
• Strengths
• first and foremost, this article with the many research studies addresses a
well needed area that has gone unrecognized for decades
• The article offers guidance for professionals dealing with
multigenerational difficulties. Some considerations are on the next slide.
• Weakness
• Weaknesses of this particular article is that it is lacking in diversity. It’s
limited to the United States’ Western values. There are many countries
around the world, many of whom still carry “old” traditional values, that
live in the US are not included.

12. for counselors
• The approach is strength-based with a focus on resiliency.
• Some questions to pose:
• 1. Please describe your family situation. Who lived in the household? Offer as many details as you
can to describe the living situation.
2. How did this affect you and your family emotionally, financially, and physically? What did you
gain from this experience? What did you lose?
3. What resources did you use to help get through this situation?
4. How do you feel about this being part of your life? Provide some insight on what it meant to you.
5. How do you feel that being a child/caretaker in this type of household makes you different from
those children/caretakers who do not experience this responsibility?

13. caring for children and aging parents: trying to meet needs
and expectations of both while not neglecting personal
obligations and self-care needs
remembering laughter, love, and fun
while squeezing it all in

14. References
• Information and quotes obtained from the article:
• Bowen, C. and Riley, L. (2002). The sandwich generation: Challenges and coping strategies of
multigenerational families. The Family Journal: Counseling ad Therapy for Couples and Families,
Vol. 13 No. 1, January 2005 52-58. doi: 10.1177/1066480704270099
• Erikson, E. (1980). Identity and the life cycle. Volume one. New York: W. W. Norton and Co.
• Greenberg, J. and Mitchell, S. (1983). Object relations in psychoanalytic theory. Cambridge, MA:
Harvard U. Press
• Photographs provided by Laura O’Brien and USC SOWK 505

15. extended family: multigenerational
multicultured;biracial;and blended
multicultured;biracial;and blended