Grandchild adjustment and family functioning in grandparent -headed families: The role of attachment relationships
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine attachment relationships within grandparent-headed families. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships among grandparent reported bond to the grandchild, grandchild reported attachment to the grandparent, grandchild affect regulation, family functioning, and grandchild behavior problems. The convenience sample consisted of 52 pairs of custodial grandparents and their adolescent grandchildren. Participants were recruited nationally, through support group leaders. Participation involved each grandparent and grandchild completing a questionnaire packet and participating in an open-ended interview. Using recommendations from Baron and Kenny (1986) and others, grandparent and grandchild reports of grandchild affect regulation were tested as mediators between grandparent reported bond to the grandchild and grandparent and grandchild reports of family functioning and grandchild behavior problems. Similarly, grandparent and grandchild reports of grandchild affect regulation were tested as mediators between grandchild reported attachment to the grandparent and grandparent and grandchild reports of family functioning and grandchild behavior problems. Results indicated that grandparent report of grandchild affect regulation was a mediator. Grandparent reported bond to the grandchild was significantly and positively related to grandparent report of grandchild affect regulation which was, in turn, positively and significantly related to grandparent report of family functioning and negatively and significantly related to grandparent report of grandchild behavior problems. Grandchild report of grandchild affect regulation was not a mediator. However, grandchild report of grandchild affect regulation was positively and significantly related to grandchild report of family functioning and negatively and significantly related to grandchild report of grandchild behavior problems. Qualitative findings were used to further explore the quantitative results and indicated a variety of factors that might be related to the path model including multiple attachment figures, grandparent stress, the generation gap, and efforts by grandchildren to be cooperative. The results of this study provide important information about relationships in grandparent-headed families and can be used to inform future research and clinical practice.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Keiley, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Developmental psychology
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