Distance, Contact, and Intergenerational Relationships: Grandparents and Adult Grandchildren from an International Perspective

Abstract

In previous studies of intergenerational relationships, geographic distance has been considered the most obvious factor influencing opportunity for frequency of contact between grandparents and grandchildren. This study presents findings from a survey of 70 international college students in the Unites States regarding perceived grandparental influence and relationship satisfaction with their "closest" grandparent. Results showed that participants' perceived influence of grandparents and relationship satisfaction was maintained despite decreased contact between grandparents and grandchildren. In addition, grandchildren who initiated contact were found to have a significant impact on relationship satisfaction. This study provides an understanding of distance, contact, and intergenerational relationships in an international context.

Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Hong Kong: The Role of Social Support from Grandchildren

“…The contribution of emotional support from adolescent and/or adult grandchildren seemed to suggest that the grandparent-adolescent and/or adult grandchildren relationship provides opportunities to fulfill companionship needs for both parties, which was consistent with the literature (Crosnoe and Elder 2002;Taylor et al 2005). Both sides are mutually attached and the grandparents feel supported while interacting with their grandchildren.…”

“…It could be associated with both ageinappropriate expectations and cultural-specific role expectations towards grandparents and grandchildren. Last but not the least, while physical distance was not found to be a major barrier for intergenerational relationships, grandchildren support could be better achieved in a context with positive attitudes towards both sides (Taylor et al 2005). Consequently, efforts which are targeted at advocating positive attitude toward older people in Hong Kong are advocated.…”

“…A study by Krause and Kyriakos (1990) found that emotional support is provided to older adults more frequently than any other kind of assistance. Grandparents were perceived as a special source of attachment targets by adolescent grandchildren and also adult grandchildren (Crosnoe and Elder 2002;Taylor et al 2005). This dimension is operationalized by perceived emotional support from adolescent and/or adult grandchildren in the present study.…”

Grandparent–Grandchild Relationships

“…Results from three studies support the idea that a strong bond established during childhood positively affects the bond in adulthood. Taylor et al (2005) observed more positive perceptions and greater satisfaction in the intergenerational relationship if adult grandchildren had co-resided with their grandparents during childhood. Brown's (2003) study observed that the quality of adult grandchild-grandparent relationships was higher when a grandparent had intensively cared for their grandchild during childhood.…”

Eastern European immigrants in the United States: A socio-demographic profile

“…Moreover, previous research indicated the importance of maintaining the link between grandparents and grandchildren across borders (Taylor, Robila, & Lee, 2005). The role of grandparents in immigrant families has been portraied with other immigrant groups as well (e.g., Portes & Rumbaut, 2001).…”