Grandparents and Adult Grandchildren: What Do They Do for One Another?

Abstract

This article reports findings from a study in which the functional exchange of services, emotional (expressive) and tangible (instrumental) between grandparents and adult grandchildren were examined. The reciprocal (equivalent) and nonreciprocal (excessive giving or receiving) exchange of services was measured by the frequency of exchange and perception of potential support between the dyad. Noninstitutionalized Jewish grandparents (118, 65+ years of age) with at least one adult grandchild (18+ years of age) were randomly selected from an apartment house in Miami Beach. The results showed that the majority of grandparent-adult grandchild relationships are not reciprocal in either expressive or instrumental support. Grandparents' perception of reciprocity is that they receive more than they give. Social-work knowledge of functional exchange between this dyad may strengthen the social-support network of the elderly.

The Intergenerational Family Relationships of Grandparents and GLBQ Grandchildren

“…Grandparents frequently support grandchildren when parents are unable or unwilling to do so (Kemp, 2004; Kornhaber & Woodward, 1985; Langer, 1990; Roberto, Allen & Blieszner, 2001). In her seminal work, Troll (1983) characterizes grandparents as the “family watchdog[s]” who “monitor[s] the state of the family functioning and step[s] in only when they are needed,” (p. 64) often appearing uninvolved.…”

The Meaning of Grandparenthood

“…An example of this kind of study can be found in Langer (1990), who observed that, when a sample of grandparents assessed their relationship with adult grandchildren, they perceived what they gave to their grandchildren, both as instrumental and expressive support, was more than what their grandchildren gave them.…”

La relación entre abuelos y nietos. Factores que predicen la calidad de la relación intergeneracional

“…A pesar de ello, el balance de apoyo cambia cuando los nietos llegan a la adultez; los abuelos refieren que reciben más apoyo expresivo e instrumental de sus nietos adultos del que ellos dan. Así lo muestra el trabajo de Langer (1990) y el de Kivett (1985). En el estudio de Kivett (1985) sobre una muestra de abuelos encontró que tres cuartas partes de ellos sentían que sus nietos eran responsables de proveerles de apoyo financiero y ayuda instrumental en los momentos de necesidad.…”