The goal of this study was to contribute to the research on determinants of caregiving by exploring whether adult children’s health problems shape their involvement in their mothers’ care. Drawing from equity theory and contingent exchange theory (Davey & Eggebeen, 1998; Davey & Norris, 1998; Walster et al., 1978), I proposed that adult children with health problems would be less likely to be their mothers’ primary caregivers but more likely to be their mothers’ secondary caregivers compared to their healthier siblings. Additionally, based on gender role development theories (Chodorow, 1978; Gilligan, 1982; Leaper & Friedman, 2007), I hypothesized that health problems would reduce sons’, but not daughters’, likelihood of serving as their mothers’ primary caregivers. The results of both the quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that from both the mothers’ and children’s perspectives, adult children with and without health problems were equally as likely to serve as their mothers’ primary or secondary caregivers. Furthermore, the results suggested that daughters were expected to provide care despite their own health obstacles, whereas this expectation was not present for sons. The findings suggested that adult children with health problems are still participants in their mothers’ care and should be included in conversations regarding planning for their mothers’ future care needs and current caregiving arrangements. Additionally, the findings highlighted how providing care comes at a higher cost for children with health problems compared to their healthier siblings. Future research should investigate how additional support to caregivers with health problems may lead to better caregiving outcomes for both the caregivers and care recipients.
