New grandparents’ mental health: the protective role of optimism, self-mastery, and social support

Authors:
SHLOMO Shirley Ben, TAUBMAN-BEN-ARI Orit
Journal article citation:
Journal of Family Social Work, 15(4), July 2012, pp.254-271.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

First-time grandparents report conflicting feelings in the wake of the transition to their new role.  The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of optimism, self-mastery, perceived social support, and background variables (age, physical health, economic status) to mental health following the transition to grandparenthood. The sample consisted of 257 first-time Israeli grandparents (156 grandmothers and 101 grandfathers), of whom 151 were maternal grandparents and 106 were paternal grandparents. The participants were asked to complete a series of self-report questionnaires. Analysis was conducted to examine: differences between grandparents by gender and lineage; associations between mental health and the independent variables; and the unique and combined contribution of the independent variables to the mental health of new grandparents. The results indicate the importance of internal and external resources, as well as of health and economic status, for the mental health of new grandparents. The value of designing relevant preventive interventions by family social workers to assist grandparents in coping with their new role is discussed.

Subject terms:
mental health, mental health problems, social networks, gender, grandparents;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Israel
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4072
ISSN print:
1052-2158

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts