Grandchildren’s Perceptions of Grandparents’ Use of Relational Maintenance Behaviors

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to examine (a) grandchildren’s perceptions of the extent to which their grandparents’ use relational maintenance behaviors; (b) grandchildren’s perceived differences in grandparents’ use of relational maintenance behaviors as functions of grandparent sex, grandchild sex, and grandparent–grandchild (GP-GC) family lineage; and (c) the relationships between grandchildren’s perceptions of their grandparents’ use of relational maintenance behaviors and the grandchildren’s self-reported GP-GC relational characteristics. Young adult grandchildren ( N = 209) completed a questionnaire in reference to a specific GP-GC relationship. Descriptive statistics indicated that grandparents use the seven relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., advice, assurances, conflict management, networks, openness, positivity, and tasks) to different degrees. However, the multivariate analyses of variance did not indicate any significant effects for grandparent and grandchild sex or GP-GC family lineage on perceived grandparental use of relational maintenance behaviors. Conversely, Pearson correlations provided support for the hypothesized positive relationships between grandchildren’s perceptions of their grandparents’ use of relational maintenance behaviors and the grandchildren’s self-reported GP-GC relational characteristics.

From Supportive to Strained: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Emerging Adults’ Characterizations of Past and Present Grandparent-Grandchild Roles and Relationships

“…Most participants discussed their grandparents filling roles within the relational theme. Past research supports our findings on grandparents’ relational roles, with previous work suggesting that grandparents emotionally support their adult grandchildren through listening, advice, and companionship (Huo et al, 2018; Mansson, 2020; Thiele & Whelan, 2006; Wood et al, 2018). Though often not substantiated in recent research, past work has also concurred with our findings regarding grandchildren’s views of their grandparents as conveyors of family history and tradition (Kornhaber, 1996; Thiele & Whelan, 2006).…”

Turkish adaptation of the Ideal Grandparent Scale

“…The relationship of grandchildren with grandparents is not only significant for the psychological and social well-being of the grandchildren but is equally important for the psychological support of the grandparents. 12,13 In this regard, the current study aimed to adapt the IGS 3 Although the scale includes content related to understanding, interest, social support, and emotional intimacy, the results indicate that the perception of ideal grandparents is not independent enough to be categorized into different dimensions. Thus, the perception of ideal grandparents on the scale arises as a one-dimensional structure.…”

“…Mansson et al 11 report a positive relationship between grandchildren's perception of their relations with their grandparents and trust, satisfaction, commitment framework, and use of caring behaviors. The relationship of grandchildren with grandparents is not only significant for the psychological and social well‐being of the grandchildren but is equally important for the psychological support of the grandparents 12,13 …”

Young adults' perceptions of technology use with extended family

“…When children are young, parents often serve as gatekeepers, facilitating interactions between children and the extended family, particularly for more distant extended family (Bertogg & Szydlik, 2016; Robertson, 1975). Studies have shown that closeness between young adults and their grandparents is linked with the parent–grandparent bond (Mansson, 2020; Monserud, 2008). However, as children age and have children of their own, parents may continue to serve as facilitators, but youth also begin to reach out and connect directly with extended family (Stephenson‐Abetz & Holman, 2012).…”