The cultural lens through which grandparenthood is viewed has a marked impact on the adaptation to custodial or coparenting family structures.

Intergenerational triad types appear to be broadly relevant emotional configurations that transcend living situations but appear with different frequencies in custodial and coparenting families. Results affirm the utility of examining multirelationship patterns and describe the restructuring of intergenerational relationships characteristic of parental absence.

A model telephone support program involved setting up peer networks of four or five caregivers for regular telephone conversations. A randomized comparison was made of participants in networks (n = 31) and participants listening to an informational mini-lecture series assessed over the telephone (n = 35). Results indicated information gain, increased perceived social supports, and increased satisfaction with social supports regardless of program component. Greater information gain and more frequent emotional support from family and friends was shown for those listening to lectures. Less frequent emotional support from family and friends was found for peer network participants, suggesting support substitution.

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Grandparent involvement in raising grandchildren has become increasingly prevalent and represents the family's strength for managing crises and transitions. This study examined acculturation, socioeconomic resources, and family factors related to well-being among 357 Latina caregiving grandmothers. Positive affect was related to greater language acculturation and factors suggesting participation in mainstream society-income and health. In contrast, higher life satisfaction and lower negative affect were more evident among the less acculturated. These relationships disappeared with controls, explained by greater social resources among less acculturated grandmothers: more were married and had the parent at home; fewer assumed care because of the parent's substance-related problems. The parent's presence in the household was related to a higher level of grandmother's well-being until more sensitive family factors were considered. Furthermore, raising grandchildren with behavior problems was related to the grandmother's negative affect. Results suggest that professions should target economic needs of new immigrants, as well as assisting with troubled grandchildren and dysfunctional parents.