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Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2025). Uncoupling in the third age – the importance of the existential context for late-life divorce. Ageing & Society, 45(1), 100-122
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Uncoupling in the third age – the importance of the existential context for late-life divorce
2025 (English)In: Ageing & Society, ISSN 0144-686X, E-ISSN 1469-1779, Vol. 45, no 1, p. 100-122Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Late-life divorce is increasingly common in many Western countries, however, studies on this transition remain scarce. The purpose of this article is to study attributed reasons for late-life divorce, and if any life phase-typical aspects can be identified in these attributions. Qualitative interviews were carried out with Swedish men and women aged 62-82, who after the age of 60 had divorced from a cross-gender marital or non-marital co-habiting union (N = 37). The results, analysed using principles from Grounded Theory, revealed four different types of narratives: (a) incompatible goals for the third age, (b) personality change caused by age-related disease, (c) a last chance for romance, and (d) enough of inequality and abuse. A central insight and an original contribution generated by the study was the importance grey divorcees attributed to the existential conditions of later life in their divorce decisions. The results are discussed in relation to theories of late modern intimacy and the third age.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Cambridge, 2025
Keywords
divorce, motives, third age, existential context, gerontology
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-42725 (URN)10.1017/s0144686x23000272 (DOI)001009145900001 ()2-s2.0-85163813805 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Research Council, 2017-02610
Available from: 2023-07-06 Created: 2023-07-06 Last updated: 2025-02-10Bibliographically approved
Nordlinder, C., Bergström, G., Tham, P. & Öberg, P. (2024). Individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions among older long-term care workers: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, 56, 83-93
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions among older long-term care workers: A systematic review
2024 (English)In: Geriatric Nursing, ISSN 0197-4572, E-ISSN 1528-3984, Vol. 56, p. 83-93Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This systematic review synthesized prior quantitative research on individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions (RI) among older long-term care (LTC) workers. Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies. RI were defined as early (<65 years) or late (>65 years). To assess the methodological quality, we used JBI's checklists. The PRISMA statement guided this review. After duplicates were removed, 4 489 records were identified. A final sample of six articles was selected as eligible for inclusion. Current findings show weak social support, high physical job demands, and type of LTC occupation as important determinants for early RI. Strong social support and good job resources are important determinants fore late RI. In contrast to earlier research on other groups of older workers, this review shows no statistically associations between health nor emotional job demands and early RI for LTC workers. The results are discussed using the JD-R theory.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Older people, Long-term care, Workforce issues, Retirement planning, Systematic review
National Category
Health Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43774 (URN)10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.01.005 (DOI)001181760300001 ()38325072 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85184029819 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-02-08 Created: 2024-02-08 Last updated: 2025-05-06Bibliographically approved
Munobwa, J., Ahmadi, F. & Öberg, P. (2023). ‘Anxiety, frustration and understanding’: Swedish personal social service workers’ cognitive appraisals of encounters with violent clients. Nordic Social Work Research, 13(2), 188-201
Open this publication in new window or tab >>‘Anxiety, frustration and understanding’: Swedish personal social service workers’ cognitive appraisals of encounters with violent clients
2023 (English)In: Nordic Social Work Research, ISSN 2156-857X, E-ISSN 2156-8588, Vol. 13, no 2, p. 188-201Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Workplace violence and threats from social service users towards social workers (client violence) is a problem in Sweden and internationally. This article explores the circumstances that make client violence stressful to social workers who exercise public authority in Swedish individual and family social services. The empirical data are based on qualitative inter- views with social workers (n = 19) who, according to their own perception, have been threatened or assaulted by a client in relation to work. Theory on cognitive appraisal of threat and harm is used. The results, analysed by Inductive Thematic Analysis, show that client violence is stressful because it poses a threat to social workers’ professional identity and private life, and occurs in uncertain and repetitive ways. The results suggest that a negligent safety culture in social service agencies, characterized by normalization of client violence and limited organizational support, may contribute to stress related to client violence. The results are discussed in light of how social workers and social service agencies transact and affect each other.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2023
Keywords
client violence; social services; workplace violence; cognitive appraisal; soical work; stress
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-40283 (URN)10.1080/2156857X.2021.1911836 (DOI)001026166600003 ()2-s2.0-85140586249 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-10-18 Created: 2022-10-18 Last updated: 2023-11-23Bibliographically approved
Munobwa, J., Ahmadi, F. & Öberg, P. (2023). Creeping under the skin: manifestations of client violence towards social workers in Swedish individual and family services. Nordic Social Work Research, 13(2), 202-216
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Creeping under the skin: manifestations of client violence towards social workers in Swedish individual and family services
2023 (English)In: Nordic Social Work Research, ISSN 2156-857X, E-ISSN 2156-8588, Vol. 13, no 2, p. 202-216Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Client violence can affect social workers negatively. In this paper, we explore what the experience of client violence entails for social workers who exercise public authority in Swedish individual and family social services. The empirical data are based on qualitative interviews with social workers (n = 19) and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and power theory. The results show that social workers experienced physical and non-physical violence, often perpetrated through several related incidents. Clients’ use of violence was mainly in reaction to social workers’ exercise of public authority. Organization and delivery of social services seemed to create friction that agitated clients, while putting social work- ers at risk of violence. Social workers situated client violence in two arenas, i.e. the professional and private arena, with perceived aggravation of the violence as it transcended the professional boundary into their private life. The paper highlights the importance of organizational culture that values and promotes the aspirations, dignity and wellbeing of clients and social workers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2023
Keywords
client violence; power; social services; workpalce violence
National Category
Social Work
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-40282 (URN)10.1080/2156857X.2021.1927807 (DOI)001026166600004 ()2-s2.0-85148750268 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-10-18 Created: 2022-10-18 Last updated: 2023-11-23Bibliographically approved
Munobwa, J., Öberg, P. & Ahmadi, F. (2023). Helping or Controlling? Choice of Coping Methods When Dealing with Violent Clients in Statutory Social Work. Social Sciences, 12(2), Article ID 58.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Helping or Controlling? Choice of Coping Methods When Dealing with Violent Clients in Statutory Social Work
2023 (English)In: Social Sciences, E-ISSN 2076-0760, Vol. 12, no 2, article id 58Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Client violence in social work is a workplace problem in Sweden and internationally. Frontline workers in public agencies have the discretion to decide how they deal with clients to cope with challenges like violence and threats. The coping methods may favour some clients while disadvantaging others. Ultimately, the coping practices may become de facto policy, which may not match official organisational policy. This article explores coping methods statutory social workers use to manage violence and threats in their day-to-day dyadic interactions with clients. The article is based on qualitative interviews with social workers (n = 19) who, according to their perception, were victims of client violence. Theory on street-level bureaucracy and frontline workers’ discretion is used. Based on thematic analysis, the results show that social workers draw from four groups of coping methods depending on their moral and normative dispositions. These include (1) the forced helper, (2) the compassionate helper, (3) the distanced helper, and (4) the authoritarian helper. Social workers oscillate between different dispositions depending on situational needs, striving to find the appropriate balance between helping and controlling clients. Studying social workers’ day-to-day dyadic interactions with clients highlights how coping methods could shape social work policy and practice.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2023
Keywords
client violence; coping; discretion; frontline work; social services; social work; street-level bureaucracy; workplace violence
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-41129 (URN)10.3390/socsci12020058 (DOI)000941429400001 ()2-s2.0-85148727944 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-03-06 Created: 2023-03-06 Last updated: 2023-06-26Bibliographically approved
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2023). Late life repartnering. In: L. Evans & M. Hyde (Ed.), Encyclopaedeia of Ageing and Scoiety: . Edward Elgar
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Late life repartnering
2023 (English)In: Encyclopaedeia of Ageing and Scoiety / [ed] L. Evans & M. Hyde, Edward Elgar , 2023Chapter in book (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Edward Elgar, 2023
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43386 (URN)
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2023-12-04Bibliographically approved
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2023). Sex i tredje och fjärde åldern. Äldre i Centrum (3), 38-39
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Sex i tredje och fjärde åldern
2023 (Swedish)In: Äldre i Centrum, ISSN 1401-5110, no 3, p. 38-39Article in journal (Other academic) Published
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43375 (URN)
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2023-12-04Bibliographically approved
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2023). Sexualitet - betraktat över livstid. Äldre i Centrum (3), 40-43
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Sexualitet - betraktat över livstid
2023 (Swedish)In: Äldre i Centrum, ISSN 1401-5110, no 3, p. 40-43Article in journal (Other academic) Published
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43374 (URN)
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2023-12-04Bibliographically approved
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2022). Att åldras utan nära familj. In: Håkan Jönson (Ed.), Perspektiv på utsatthet och problem under åldrandet: (pp. 167-189). Lunds universitet
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Att åldras utan nära familj
2022 (Swedish)In: Perspektiv på utsatthet och problem under åldrandet / [ed] Håkan Jönson, Lunds universitet , 2022, p. 167-189Chapter in book (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lunds universitet, 2022
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43384 (URN)10.37852/oblu.183.c497 (DOI)978-91-7895-547-3 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2023-12-04Bibliographically approved
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2022). Blood thicker than water?: Emotional closeness between older parents and adult children in stepfamilies. Journal of Family Studies, 28(2), 493-510
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Blood thicker than water?: Emotional closeness between older parents and adult children in stepfamilies
2022 (English)In: Journal of Family Studies, ISSN 1322-9400, E-ISSN 1839-3543, Vol. 28, no 2, p. 493-510Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Increasing prevalence of ageing stepfamilies and stepchildren’s potential to act as a source of support for older parents has prompted research about intergenerational cohesion in steprelationships. Our purpose is to investigate emotional closeness in biological and step-relationships in ageing stepfamilies, and the explanations older parents and adult children give to such differences. We study emotional closeness in parent-child relationships among Swedish older parents (aged 66–79) who have raised both biological and stepchildren, and adult children (aged 31–57) who were raised by both biological and stepparents. Qualitative family history interviews (n = 24) including hierarchical maps of long-term family relationships were collected and analyzed. Results show biological relationships to be rated as emotionally closer than step-relationships, by both parents and children. This gap in closeness is explained by the informants in terms of (a) personal characteristics, (b) social circumstances and (c) the importance of blood. Both children and parents use the first two explanations, but there is a clear generational difference concerning the perceived importance of blood. While older parents deemphasize the importance of blood for emotional closeness, adult children emphasize it. The study contributes to ageing stepfamily research by including stepfamily members’ own perspectives on emotional closeness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2022
Keywords
Ageing stepfamily, older stepparents, adult stepchildren, stepgap, emotional closeness
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-32028 (URN)10.1080/13229400.2020.1735485 (DOI)000518512900001 ()2-s2.0-85081268423 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-03-11 Created: 2020-03-11 Last updated: 2023-12-01Bibliographically approved
Projects
New intimate relations in later life - Changed forms of intimacy in late modern society [2009-00720_Forte]; University of Gävle; Publications
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2017). New intimate relationships in later life: consequences for the social and filial network?. Journal of Family Issues, 38(3), 381-405Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2015). Time as a structuring condition behind new intimate relationships in later life. Ageing & Society, 35(7), 1505-1528Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2014). Changing Sexual Practices in New Intimate Relationships in Later Life – A Life Course Perspective. In: 8th International Conference on Cultural Gerontology: Programme and Abstracts. Paper presented at 8th International Conference on Cultural Gerontology, 10–12 April 2014, National University of Ireland, Galway (pp. 138-138). Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2014). The Impact of New Intimate Relationships in Later Life on Intergenerational Exchange. In: 8th International Conference on Cultural Gerontology: Programme and Abstracts. Paper presented at 8th International Conference on Cultural Gerontology, 10–12 April 2014, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland (pp. 167-167). Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). Attitudes, experiences and expectations on new intimate relationships in later life: results from a Swedish national survey. Paper presented at 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, June 23-27 2013, Seoul, Korea. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17(Suppl. 1), 109Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). New intimate relationships and informal care obligations in later life. Paper presented at Gerontological Society of America´s 66th Annual Scientific Congress, 20-24 November 2013, New Orleans, USA. The Gerontologist, 53(Suppl. 1), 413-414Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). New sexual relationships in later life: the case of late modern Sweden. Paper presented at Gerontological Society of America's 66th Annual Scientific Meeting, 20-24 November, New Orleans, USA. The Gerontologist, 53(Suppl.), 300-300Öberg, P. & Bildtgård, T. (2013). The impact of new intimate relationships in later life on life satisfaction. Paper presented at Gerontological Society of America 66th Annual Scientific Meeting, 20-24 November 2013, New Orleans, USA. The Gerontologist, 53(Suppl. 1), 61-61Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). Time as a structuring condition behind new intimate relationships in later life. In: 2nd Forum of Sociology, Social Justice and Democratization, 1-4 August 2012, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Book of Abstracts. Paper presented at 2nd Forum of Sociology, Social Justice and Democratization, 1-4 August 2012, Buenos Aires, Argentina (pp. 65-65). Öberg, P. & Bildtgård, T. (2013). Time as a structuring condition for new intimate relationships in later life: A qualitative study of elderly Swedes. Paper presented at 20th World Congress of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG), June 23-27, 2013 Seoul, South-Korea. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17(Suppl. 1), 109-110
New intimate relations in later life - a quantitative survey [P11-0909:1_RJ]; University of Gävle; Publications
Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). Attitudes, experiences and expectations on new intimate relationships in later life: results from a Swedish national survey. Paper presented at 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, June 23-27 2013, Seoul, Korea. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17(Suppl. 1), 109Bildtgård, T. & Öberg, P. (2013). New sexual relationships in later life: the case of late modern Sweden. Paper presented at Gerontological Society of America's 66th Annual Scientific Meeting, 20-24 November, New Orleans, USA. The Gerontologist, 53(Suppl.), 300-300Öberg, P. & Bildtgård, T. (2013). The impact of new intimate relationships in later life on life satisfaction. Paper presented at Gerontological Society of America 66th Annual Scientific Meeting, 20-24 November 2013, New Orleans, USA. The Gerontologist, 53(Suppl. 1), 61-61
Intergenerational relationships between adult children and older parents in stepfamilies [2014-00395_Forte]; University of GävleGrey divorce - An unexplored path to uncoupling in later life [2017-02610_VR]; University of Gävle
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-0295-898x

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