Gender effects upon perceptions of grandparenting experience were examined in a study involving 115 grandfathers and 186 grandmothers who represented a wide range of incomes and educational and occupational backgrounds. Particularly studied were differences in Caucasian grandparents' enjoyment of relationships with grandchildren, beliefs about…

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…

Interviewed 301 grandparents concerning their relationship with one grandchild. Findings revealed no differences in relationship associated with grandchild gender or with maternal/paternal grandparent status; nor were there significant interaction effects. Grandmothers expressed greater satisfaction than did grandfathers; grandfathers stressed…

Some aspects of the relationship between young adult grandchildren and grandparents are examined. Results suggested the grandparent's kin position relative to the grandchild was a critical variable, more so than the grandparent's sex, in influencing the intensity of the bond. Other results are reviewed. (Author)

Examined effects of adult children's divorce on their relationships with parents, using local probability sample of 905 parents. In general, divorced daughters with child custody had more contact than married daughters and received more help from parents. Sons received more babysitting help when they were married than in other situations. Divorce…

Utilizes the National Survey of Families and Households to present a demographic profile of grandparents. Examines grandparents' survival, timing of grandparenthood, grandparents' involvement in other roles, surrogate parenting, and stepgrandparents. Data indicate considerable heterogeneity among grandparents of different genders and ethnicities.…

A total of 416 elementary school children described in writing what their grandparents meant to them. Girls were more likely than boys to mention love. Younger children reported obtaining more affective provisions (e.g., attachment and nurturance) from grandparents while older children reported more cognitive provisions (e.g., guidance and pride…

College students audiotaped interaction with one of their grandparents in which grandparents told story that captured meaning of life for them and grandchildren told similar story. Students were divided into similar numbers of same and mixed sex grandparent-grandchild relationships. Results revealed some gender differences in types of stories…

In this study, change over time in grandparenting experience, sex differences in grandparenting, and differences among relationships with different grandchildren were explored. Thirteen grandmothers and six grandfathers were interviewed; content analysis and thematic analysis of interview transcripts were performed. Grandparents described changes…

Investigates the characteristics and quality of the image children have of aged persons and their grandparents. Children's drawings were compared for old age characteristics and deficits. Analysis of variance on sex, age, kinship with the stimulus person and sex of stimulus person was conducted. (Author/RH)

Explored reported interactions between 31 elementary school children and their grandparents. Analyzed respondents' actual and desired activities on dimensions of proximity, congruence, and gender. Results suggest that both grandparents and grandchildren would like more interaction than is actually occurring. Geographical proximity was important…

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…

To date, fewer than a dozen studies of grandparenting have been reported. While a serious reading of the available data is premature, several lines of inquiry and issues can be identified and discussed. This presentation explores six general topics: (1) age and cohort differences, (2) sex differences, (3) social group differences, (4) individual…

This study examined the performance of Black grandparents, the contributions they make to their families, and the obstacles that limit their success as grandparents. It also sought to identify the content of suitable curriculum for grandparents and recommend guidelines for the establishment of grandparent education programs. A sample of 626…