Grandparents' role in family systems with a deaf child. An exploratory study

This qualitative study explored the role of grandparents in hearing/deaf family systems. Specifically, the grandparental role was examined in six family systems across at least three generations (grandparent, parent, deaf grandchild). The study's purpose was to provide insight into personal and interpersonal functioning of extended family systems with a deaf member and to provide a basis for future quantitative research. Results indicated that grandparents were willing to provide diverse support services to their children and grandchildren to the extent permitted by their resources and the nature of their existing relationship with the deaf child's parent(s). The advent of a deaf grandchild appeared to have strong effects on the extended family system, but typically system responses were consistent with the quality of preexisting relationships. Families with weak intrafamilial communication tended to have difficulties with incorrect assumptions. Families with unresolved individuation issues tended to replay these issues within the context of attempts to adapt to their changed circumstances.