Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law: the effects of proximity on conflict and stress

Relations between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are often depicted as conflictual despite a paucity of research on their interaction. A 1985 exploratory study of 44 mothers-in-law and 55 daughters-in-law in two-generation farm or ranch families found that differences in goals and values and lack of communication skills were frequent problems. Contrary to expectations, however, living in close proximity did not increase the stress levels of either group of women. These and other findings should be useful to extension agents and other applied professionals as they plan programs for and counsel these individuals. In addition, these data provide a base for future research.