UMaine Study Seeks Uncles and Nephews
Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761
ORONO– How do uncles distinctively contribute to their nephews’ development? And why has it taken so long for family scholars to ask the question? Robert Milardo, University of Maine professor of human development, hopes to find out by conducting the first in-depth study of uncle and nephew relationships.
“Uncles can provide unique contributions to the development of their nephews,” says Milardo. This project will help us understand the important role uncles can play in the lives of children and young adults.”
In the project’s first stage, uncles and nephews were interviewed in Wellington, New Zealand. In the second stage, uncles and nephews are being interviewed in Maine. Nephews interviewed or who are subjects of uncles’ interviews should be between the ages of 15-30.
“We are finding that many uncles report close relationships with their nephews,” says Milardo. “Uncles can be mentors; they frequently provide advice on career and personal issues; and they often act as family historians by giving nephews a perspective of their parents that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Milardo is looking for additional volunteers for the study in the Greater Bangor area. The informal interviews will take one hour or less. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Milardo at 581-3128 or e-mail RHD360@Maine.edu.