Emerging evidence suggests that family conflict shows continuity across generations and that intergenerational family conflict can be more intense and deleterious than conflict experienced in a single generation. However, few investigations have identified etiological mechanisms by which family conflict is perpetuated across generations.…

The purpose of this study was to understand the expression of generativity among grandparents and their adult grandchildren through their experiences of family leisure. Fourteen dyads of grandparents and adult grandchildren were interviewed about their experience of family leisure. The findings illustrate the important role that family leisure…

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a series of web-based fact sheets for grandparents raising grandchildren. The fact sheets focus on child development issues that grandparents may face when raising their grandchildren. Design and Methods: The fact sheets were developed using research on attachment theory, child development, and the needs of…

This study examines the associations between grandchildren's (N = 1,170) adult role transitions and their contact with, and closeness to, grandparents, by drawing on data from Waves 2 and 3 of the National Survey of Families and Households. Findings indicate that this relationship is frequently contingent on the nature of the adult role in…

The purpose of this study is to explore the variation in emotional closeness in the adult grandchild and grandparent relationship in relation to the occurrence of potentially stressful life events in childhood. A sample of university students (N = 119) completed a questionnaire measuring elements of intergenerational solidarity. Comparisons were…

Surveyed 208 adult grandchildren concerning relationship with their closest grandparent. Used levels of contact and perceptions of closeness to evaluate strength of bonds. Interaction levels were high for most respondents and relationships appeared meaningful. Comparison of ranked means suggests several factors related to strength of…

This paper examines recent research on grandparents in American society. The review begins with a description of two key demographic changes that have altered the nature of grandparenthood: increased life expectancy and new rhythms in the family life cycle. Variations in the grandparent role are then discussed, including the development of…

Recognizing that children today will spend almost half of their lives as grandparents, this paper examines grandparenthood and the grandparent-grandchild relationship. The paper focuses on the grandparent role, discussing styles and dimensions of grandparenting. A number of variables are discussed directly affecting grandparenting: (1) age of…

Explored the perspective of young adult grandchildren concerning relationships with grandparents. Four relationship variables were examined: amount of contact, assessed adequacy of contact, importance of the relationship, and role conception. Results supported the position that grandparents remain a significant factor in the lives of young adults.…

Examines differences in patterns of social mobility experienced by three generations (grandparents, parents, and children) within the same family lineages. Using data from the Longitudinal Study of Generations, found that each successive generation of offspring has had higher occupational attainment than the one before. However, the rate of upward…

Interviews with same-sex adult members of three-generation family lines can dramatize similarities and differences by age and generation in ways of thinking and feeling. An analysis of interviews with 157 families examined the health of the grandparent, the happiness of each of the three generational representatives, and family salience. Twelve…

Describes a theory of grandparent development. African-American (n=777), Caucasian (n=1086), and Hispanic (n=672) subjects of a three-generations study were administered the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory. Perceptions of each generation about the attitudes and behaviors of grandparents were examined. Results showed significant…

Grandparents in the Republic of China want to remain influential, but social policy has not provided them with education to fulfill their changing role. Examined the performance of grandparents to determine suitable content for an intervention program. A sample of 751 nonconsanguineous participants included 234 grandparents, 241 parents, and 276…