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Grandparents in Japan: a three-generational study
R Strom1, S Strom, P Collinsworth
1Division of Psychology in Education, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-0611, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Japanese grandparents feel their family status is declining. This study explored their strengths and needs across three generations to inform new educational programs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Family Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Grandparents in Japan perceive an erosion of their family status and influence.
- Existing social policies lack provisions for educating grandparents on their evolving roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the strengths and needs of Japanese grandparents from the perspectives of three generations.
- To inform the development of educational programs tailored to the changing roles of grandparents.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 239 grandparents, 266 parents, and 274 grandchildren.
- Utilized three versions of the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory.
- Employed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare generational perceptions.
Main Results:
- Grandparents reported higher satisfaction, success, and teaching involvement than perceived by parents and grandchildren.
- Grandparents expressed greater role-related difficulties, frustration, and feeling less informed compared to other generations.
- Generational differences, grandchild characteristics, and co-residence significantly impacted perceived grandparent performance.
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies exist between self-perceptions and perceptions by other generations regarding grandparenting roles.
- Educational interventions are needed to support Japanese grandparents in their evolving family functions.
- Future programs should consider factors like living arrangements and time spent with grandchildren.