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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.

The purpose of this article was to explore the family relationships and role adjustment of grandmothers in the Republic of Panama who have a grandchild with special needs. Thirty Panamanian grandmothers of children with a disability were interviewed using a standardized format and non-directive probing. Categories of analysis were established only after the data was fully collected and reviewed. The results indicate that for most Panamanian grandmothers, their changes in family relationships are not dramatic when they have a grandchild with a disability; however, 25% clearly report a deteriorated relationship with their son-in-laws. They view their relationship with their grandchild with a disability to be one that provides a mixture of affection, love, acceptance and patience. In the area of role adjustment, they see a need to become more involved in areas that include assisting their grandchildren and/or her family with care-giving and household responsibilities, economic and medical support, or in areas related to school/academic, spiritual or recreational activities. With respect to emotional adjustment, Panamanian grandmothers of children with disabilities distinguish themselves from grandmothers in the United States, by experiencing reduced emotional stress and dwelling less on personal loss, grief, or role stigma. The implications are that there appear to be universal beliefs and adjustment factors that Panamanian grandmothers of grandchildren with disabilities experience. However, culture appears to have a genuine influence that results in subtle but unique differences from their U.S. counterparts.

The authors review the literature concerning the effects of physical fitness on various measures of personality and offer specific suggestions for future research in this area.

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