Process-Outcome Relationships and Solution-Based Goal-Setting Interventions With Grandparent Caregivers

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Grandparents raising grandchildren face unique challenges.
• Interventions supporting these caregivers are crucial for family well-being.
• Solution-based and goal-setting approaches offer potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine change processes in a solution-based thinking and goal-setting intervention for grandparents raising grandchildren.
• To assess the impact of these change processes on intervention outcomes.
• To understand how caregiver thinking and goal-setting mediate intervention effects.

Main Methods:

• A 6-session solution-based thinking and goal-setting intervention was implemented.
• Change processes, including hopefulness and solution-based thinking, were measured.
• Outcomes related to well-being and grandchild relationship quality were assessed.
• Regression analyses were used to examine mediation effects.

Main Results:

• Participants showed stable or increased levels of hopefulness, solution-based thinking, and positive thoughts about grandchildren.
• Goal-setting for personal well-being and relationship quality improved.
• Change processes were significantly related to post-program outcomes and outcome differences.
• Change processes partially mediated the intervention's impact on primary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The intervention effectively enhanced positive thinking and goal-setting skills in grandparents raising grandchildren.
• Improvements in caregiver cognition and goal-setting are key mechanisms driving intervention success.
• This study highlights the importance of addressing caregiver thought processes and goal-setting for effective support.