first, second, or fourth child. The 1113 mothers were originally interviewed in the winter of 1962. Then re-interviewed in the fall of 1962, again in 1963, 1966, 1977, 1980 and lastly 1985. The children born in 1961 were interviewed in 1980, at age 18, and again in 1985, at age 23. The analysis sample was 913 of the children interviewed in 1985 and their mothers. The 913 had no missing data for the necessary variables. Method:Researchers used the panel study method, a series of questions with a specific numbered coding of responses. The children were questioned using questions directly from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, additional questions were added specifically tailored to the study.Findings:Researchers found a critical link between a childs self-esteem, and their familys integration and that these influences effect the childs self esteem not only through their years growing up but also into young adulthood. Family Activities could be anything from doing dishes together, playing board games, attending church, to organized sports where a parent is possibly the coach these all can have a beneficial effect on a childs self-esteem. Family Social Networks supplied another important facet of family integration they increase family solidarity and the intergenerational interaction of the childs extended family has a beneficial and momentous effect on a childs self-esteem. Family Support Networks also provide beneficial effects on a childs self-esteem; it re-affirms the family unit and blends both the giving and receiving family members together. Concerns affecting the results of the study were first, that the benefit of family integration might be more beneficial to males than females. Males in integrated families may feel nurtured and cared for, where females may feel that their purpose is to become caregivers rather than pursuing their own individual goals. Second, that family integration may be the result of gender strugg...
