In the present study, the effect of relationships with parents on adult self-esteem was examined as was the effect of self-esteem on individual well-being. In turn, wellbeing was examined for its effect on relationship with one's child. Two conditions, relationship with spouse and child temperament, were investigated as potential moderators of these relationships. The sample was composed of 1,986 males and 1,859 females. Eighty percent were caucasian, 10.2% African-American, 7.9% Hispanic, and 1.3% divided among Asian-American and American Indian. Mean age of the subjects was 42.3 years; mean education level was completion of high school. Income ranged from 0to400,000 with a mean of $40,100. Path analyses suggested that for males, a poor relationship with one's mother predicted low self-esteem. Low self-esteem predicted low well-being which, in turn, predicted a low quality relationship with one's child. For females, a poor relationship with one's father predicted low self-esteem which, in turn, predicted low well-being and a poor relationship with one's child
