The Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship: Implications for Models of Intergenerational Communication

Abstract

We report two studies which examine the age stereotypes in interactions model of intergenerational communication. We investigate whether stereotyping processes mediate the effects of various predictors on communication outcomes. Support emerges for the mediating role of stereotyping. The studies also examine relational factors fi nding support for the argument that relational factors deserve more attention in models of intergenerational communication. Central variables emerging as predictive of intergenerational communication or stereotyping include perceived health of an older adult interlocutor, relational closeness, the nature of the relationship (grandparent versus older adult acquaintance), reciprocal self-disclosure, and age salience.A s interest in interactions between younger and older adults has grown, theories and models to explain communication interactions between the generations have also expanded. Theories and models built around stereotypes are central in intergenerational communication research; the majority of such models attempt to explain the ways in which stereotypes infl uence intergenerational communication, as well as the ensuing consequences (generally negative) for phenomena such as older adult health. Through a review of the primary models Karen Anderson (Ph.D., University of Kansas) is an assistant professor and basic course director in the communication studies department at the University of North Texas. Anderson et al. / THE GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD RELATIONSHIP 269in this area, we build the argument that these models have failed to incorporate the relationship between the interlocutors as a key factor. The hypotheses guiding our research examine the ways in which the grandparent relationship may be incorporated into models of intergenerational communication to specify more carefully the likely outcomes of such interaction. In other words, we attempt to add some relational context to models that have assumed intergenerational communication to occur in something of a relational vacuum.

Telling a Family Culture: Storytelling, Family Identity, and Cultural Membership

“…Some research has shown that young people report less satisfaction in their communication with older family members than with older non-family (e.g., Cryer-Downs, 1989); however, other research has suggested that there is a great deal of satisfaction between young and old within the family (e.g., Anderson, Harwood, & Hummert, 2005;Harwood, McKee, & Lin, 2000). Williams & Nussbaum (2001) reported that both generations viewed their interactions as vital to passing down family information, placing high value on interactions across generations.…”

The Relationships Among Perceived Physician Accommodation, Perceived Outgroup Typicality, and Patient Inclinations Toward Compliance

“…Group salience is a fundamental construct in intergroup research (see Anderson, Harwood, & Hummert, 2005;Harwood, Raman, & Hewstone, 2006). In general terms, it is an individual's awareness of group memberships and respective group differences in an interaction (Harwood, Raman, & Hewstone, 2006).…”

Communicative Responses to the Painful Self-Disclosures of Familial and Non-Familial Older Adults

“…This is problematic, for communication based on these stereotypes often has undesirable qualities (Hummert, Shaner, Gartska, & Henry, 1998). While interactions with grandparents are more enjoyable, young adults' views of grandparents are similar to those they hold of generalized seniors (Anderson, Harwood, & Hummert, 2005). However, Fowler and Soliz (2010) found that having positive attitudes toward seniors was linked to grandchildren feeling less discomfort with grandparents' PSD.…”