The study reported in this paper examined perception of family relations by African-American elders. Data were collected from 39 participants in senior settings using the Grandparents Strengths and Needs Inventory to identify favorable qualities and areas for further improvement. Participants also were interviewed for common themes. Grandparents…

"Grandparents University", a program planned and sponsored collaboratively by the University of Wisconsin--Extension Cooperative Extension Family Living Programs and the Wisconsin Alumni Association, was designed to enhance the relationship that exists between the grandparent and grandchild. In July of each year, grandchildren between…

There are 3.2 million children in the United States living with their grandparents or other kin, a 40 percent increase since 1980. This exploding sociological trend with far-reaching implications for our future spans every segment of our society--rich and poor, black and white, Asian and Hispanic, urban and suburban. Based on interviews with…

The author examined 65 cases in which grandparents successfully acquired court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren to understand how courts shape family development and how social scientists might support families who are engaged in legal disputes. Using grounded theory methods, two categories explained grandparents' success at acquiring…

An increasing number of American grandparents, from all socioeconomic and ethnic groups, have taken on the role of surrogate parents to their grandchildren. Reasons behind this trend involve a variety of family circumstances, including the death of one or both parents, parental abandonment, the high incidence of divorce, an increase in the number…

Describes the scope and circumstances of grandparents rearing grandchildren as gathered by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Grandparent Information Center. Addresses the problems facing grandparent-headed families, avenues of assistance, and public policy considerations. Also addresses major needs including support groups, legal…

Describes Project GUIDE (Grandparents United: Intergenerational Developmental Education), a five-year program for grandparents who rear their grandchildren and the children affected. Notes that the program is designed to reduce stress and enhance self-esteem of intergenerational families and is centered around eight goals. Traced the program…

Over the last decade, considerable media attention and public discussion have focused on the varied roles that grandparents play in family life. Much of this public attention has centered on grandparents who assume parental responsibilities for their grandchildren. Similarly, grandparents are recognized for the active but temporary roles they…

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.…

Grandparents may feel resentment, discomfort and embarrassment toward handicapped grandchild. To offer emotional support to the parents, they must resolve these feelings. Talking with people knowledgeable about handicaps and reading may help grandparents accept handicaps. Grandparents' attention and interest can make major contributions to…

This paper suggests that there is a tremendous need for additional research regarding black grandparent and childhood socialization. (Author)

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.…

Examines how culture and interactions of family life influence grandparent-grandchild relationships. Results, based on 662 grandparents, show that grandparent involvement with grandchildren is significantly influenced by grandparents having known their own grandparents. Sharing a household with a grandparent made little difference in grandparents'…

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 finding support for…

Examined impact of various social relationships on level of loneliness reported by 208 elderly residents of 10 senior housing apartments, controlling for depression. Subjects who were less satisfied with quality of their relationships and had less contact with close friends were more lonely. Whether one had children, grandchildren, siblings, or…