Grandparents in Taiwan: a three-generational study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Social policies in Taiwan have not adequately supported grandparents in their evolving roles.
• Grandparents desire to maintain influence within their families.
• There is a need for educational interventions to assist grandparents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the performance of grandparents in Taiwan.
• To identify suitable content for intervention programs aimed at improving grandparenting skills.
• To understand the strengths and needs of grandparents from multiple generational perspectives.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 751 participants (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) from urban and rural Taiwan was surveyed.
• The Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory, translated into Mandarin, was administered to each generation.
• Multivariate analysis of variance, univariate analysis of variance, Scheffé, and t-tests were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• All three generations identified aspects of successful grandparenting and areas for improvement.
• Key factors influencing grandparent performance included generation, grandchild's gender and age, frequency of care, living arrangements, and time spent together.
• Specific learning needs for grandparents to enhance their effectiveness were identified.

Conclusions:

• Educational programs are recommended to improve grandparenting behaviors and effectiveness.
• Intervention content should address identified strengths and needs across generations.
• Supporting grandparents is crucial for maintaining family influence and intergenerational relationships.