Related Experiment Videos
Young adults' relations with their grandparents: an exploratory study
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Young adult grandchildren feel closer to maternal grandparents, especially the grandmother, than paternal ones. Kin position significantly impacts the grandparent-grandchild bond intensity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Family Studies
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The grandparent-grandchild relationship is a significant familial bond.
- Understanding factors influencing this relationship is crucial for family dynamics research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship dynamics between young adult grandchildren and their grandparents.
- To identify key variables influencing the intensity of this bond.
Main Methods:
- Survey instrument administered to 269 undergraduate females with living grandparents.
- Assessed frequency of interaction and perceived emotional closeness with each grandparent.
Main Results:
- Grandparent's kin position (maternal vs. paternal) was more influential than sex.
- Adult grandchildren reported greater emotional closeness to maternal grandparents.
- The maternal grandmother was emotionally closest compared to other grandparents.
Conclusions:
- Kin position is a critical factor in the grandparent-grandchild relationship intensity.
- Maternal grandmothers often hold a uniquely close bond with adult grandchildren.
- Significant individual variability exists in young adult grandchildren's involvement and attachment to grandparents.