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Quality in grandparent/grandchild relationships
1Department of Human Environmental Sciences, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg 64093.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Successful grandparent/grandchild relationships are characterized by closeness, mutual knowing, grandparental influence, and an authentic connection. These factors were validated in a study of young adults and their most-close grandparent.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Grandparent-grandchild relationships are significant familial bonds.
- Understanding the elements contributing to relationship quality is crucial for family dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and validate key elements of quality in grandparent-grandchild relationships.
- To examine the influence of specific variables on relationship quality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify quality elements.
- Survey of 391 young adults at a midwest university.
- Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess variable impact.
Main Results:
- Validated five key elements: closeness, mutual knowing, grandparental influence, and authentic relationship.
- Confirmed association of these elements with successful relationships.
- Identified impact of seven independent variables on relationship quality.
Conclusions:
- Closeness, mutual understanding, influence, and authenticity are vital for successful grandparent-grandchild bonds.
- The middle generation plays a supportive, not dominating, role.
- Further research can explore the identified independent variables.