Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 20(3), July 2011, pp.185-202.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
In traditional Chinese culture, grandmothers are expected to play an active role in interacting with their grandchildren and serve as the ‘kin-keepers’ of the family. However, in Hong Kong, rapid social changes have caused potential threats to traditional grandparenting role expectations. This study aimed to examine the impact of grandparenting role changes on life satisfaction among Chinese grandmothers with adolescent or adult grandchildren. The study participants were 166 grandmothers whose youngest grandchildren were older than 12 years. The participants underwent face-to-face interviews using standardised scales. The grandparenting role included dimensions such as daily live helpers, advisors, educators, and helpers during crises. The findings showed that a reduced advisory role for grandmothers had a negative impact on their life satisfaction after controlling for their demographic characteristics, social support, and health status. Implications for policies on intergenerational programme and future research in a Chinese context are discussed.
In traditional Chinese culture, grandmothers are expected to play an active role in interacting with their grandchildren and serve as the ‘kin-keepers’ of the family. However, in Hong Kong, rapid social changes have caused potential threats to traditional grandparenting role expectations. This study aimed to examine the impact of grandparenting role changes on life satisfaction among Chinese grandmothers with adolescent or adult grandchildren. The study participants were 166 grandmothers whose youngest grandchildren were older than 12 years. The participants underwent face-to-face interviews using standardised scales. The grandparenting role included dimensions such as daily live helpers, advisors, educators, and helpers during crises. The findings showed that a reduced advisory role for grandmothers had a negative impact on their life satisfaction after controlling for their demographic characteristics, social support, and health status. Implications for policies on intergenerational programme and future research in a Chinese context are discussed.
Subject terms:
intergenerational relationships, quality of life, women, Chinese people, grandparents;
SANDS Roberta G., GOLDBERG-GLEN Robin, THORNTON Pamela
Journal article citation:
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 45(4), 2005, pp.65-82.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Prior research on grandparent caregivers has focused on stress, depression, and other negative outcomes. This paper describes research on factors that are associated with grandparents' positive well-being. In particular, it investigated the extent to which the perception of grandparental stress and grandparents' resources are associated with grandparents' well-being, after controlling for sociodemographic and health factors. A sample of 129 grandparents had individual interviews. Using a hierarchical block multiple regression analysis, the authors found that a low perception of stress related to caring for grandchildren and resources were responsible for a high level of wellbeing. The findings of this study suggest that social workers can best help grandparent caregivers by lowering
Prior research on grandparent caregivers has focused on stress, depression, and other negative outcomes. This paper describes research on factors that are associated with grandparents' positive well-being. In particular, it investigated the extent to which the perception of grandparental stress and grandparents' resources are associated with grandparents' well-being, after controlling for sociodemographic and health factors. A sample of 129 grandparents had individual interviews. Using a hierarchical block multiple regression analysis, the authors found that a low perception of stress related to caring for grandchildren and resources were responsible for a high level of wellbeing. The findings of this study suggest that social workers can best help grandparent caregivers by lowering their perception of stress and enhancing their informal supports and community resources. This can be incorporated into supportive, strengths-based individual or family counselling. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Subject terms:
quality of life, stress, carers, child care, grandparents;
Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 19(4), October 2010, pp.317-330.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Many studies examining social support and well being among older adults focus on the support they receive. However aging parents, especially mothers, often provide their children with significant amounts of tangible support. This includes care of grandchildren, help with household chores and direct financial aid. Using data from a survey conducted by the China Research Centre on Aging carried out in 2000, this study examined whether providing tangible support to children enhances the life satisfaction of older Chinese women (n = 9,423, mean age 70 years, 57% unmarried), and whether perceptions of filial piety affect such relationships. Overall mothers who were married, had a sense of economic security and rated their children’s filial piety positively had higher levels of satisfaction than those who were widowed, did not feel financially secure and felt their children were not very devoted. Those caring for grandchildren were most likely to report higher life satisfaction and those providing monetary support the least. However the relationship between providing support and life satisfaction was conditioned by mothers' perceptions of children's filial piety. These findings emphasise the importance of perceived filial piety for the well-being of older Chinese women.
Many studies examining social support and well being among older adults focus on the support they receive. However aging parents, especially mothers, often provide their children with significant amounts of tangible support. This includes care of grandchildren, help with household chores and direct financial aid. Using data from a survey conducted by the China Research Centre on Aging carried out in 2000, this study examined whether providing tangible support to children enhances the life satisfaction of older Chinese women (n = 9,423, mean age 70 years, 57% unmarried), and whether perceptions of filial piety affect such relationships. Overall mothers who were married, had a sense of economic security and rated their children’s filial piety positively had higher levels of satisfaction than those who were widowed, did not feel financially secure and felt their children were not very devoted. Those caring for grandchildren were most likely to report higher life satisfaction and those providing monetary support the least. However the relationship between providing support and life satisfaction was conditioned by mothers' perceptions of children's filial piety. These findings emphasise the importance of perceived filial piety for the well-being of older Chinese women.
Subject terms:
intergenerational relationships, mothers, older people, parent-child relations, personal finance, quality of life, social networks, women, Chinese people, grandparents;
NEELY-BARNES Susan L., GRAFF J. Carolyn, WASHINGTON Gregory
Journal article citation:
Health and Social Work, 35(2), May 2010, pp.87-97.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
One hundred and nineteen custodial grandparents living in the southeastern United States participated in a one-time face-to-face interview to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim was to identify subgroups based on HRQOL, factors predictive of good or poor HRQOL, and to investigate how HRQOL relates to how grandparents conceptualise what they need to be and stay healthy. Participants were primarily grandmothers (97.5%) and African American. Ages ranged from 37 to 82 years with 80.7% younger than 65. Most were unmarried and not working. A latent profile analysis identified three groups of grandparents along a continuum of good to poor HRQOL with most participants reporting scores significantly below US population means. Grandchild health problems, number of grandchildren in custody, and grandparent education contributed to a moderate reduction in HRQOL. A large reduction in HRQOL was predicted by depression. Differences in depression were reported between groups, with grandparents with poor HRQOL reporting clinically significant depression, those with fair HRQOL reporting marginally clinically significant depression, and grandparents with good HRQOL reporting no depression. Qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of religion and spirituality to grandparents, the economic concerns of grandparents, and the need for transdisciplinary services. The authors suggest that services should be tailored to address grandparents’ needs.
One hundred and nineteen custodial grandparents living in the southeastern United States participated in a one-time face-to-face interview to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim was to identify subgroups based on HRQOL, factors predictive of good or poor HRQOL, and to investigate how HRQOL relates to how grandparents conceptualise what they need to be and stay healthy. Participants were primarily grandmothers (97.5%) and African American. Ages ranged from 37 to 82 years with 80.7% younger than 65. Most were unmarried and not working. A latent profile analysis identified three groups of grandparents along a continuum of good to poor HRQOL with most participants reporting scores significantly below US population means. Grandchild health problems, number of grandchildren in custody, and grandparent education contributed to a moderate reduction in HRQOL. A large reduction in HRQOL was predicted by depression. Differences in depression were reported between groups, with grandparents with poor HRQOL reporting clinically significant depression, those with fair HRQOL reporting marginally clinically significant depression, and grandparents with good HRQOL reporting no depression. Qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of religion and spirituality to grandparents, the economic concerns of grandparents, and the need for transdisciplinary services. The authors suggest that services should be tailored to address grandparents’ needs.
Subject terms:
kinship care, mental health, quality of life, risk, child care, child custody, depression, health, grandparents;
Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 4(4), 2005, pp.65-80.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This qualitative study explores the religious and spiritual supports grandparent custodial caregivers seek from the African-American church. Six female, Christian African-American HIV-affected grandparents living in North Carolina were interviewed. These caregivers perceive God and prayer to be essential to their intrinsic ability to cope. In addition to having the church pray for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families, the grandparents would like the church to take a more active role in educating the community on HIV/AIDS prevention and in reducing the stigma associated with the disease. They seek little church support for themselves personally, but hope that through the church's efforts, others will not have to endure what they are experiencing. With this knowledge comes better informing
This qualitative study explores the religious and spiritual supports grandparent custodial caregivers seek from the African-American church. Six female, Christian African-American HIV-affected grandparents living in North Carolina were interviewed. These caregivers perceive God and prayer to be essential to their intrinsic ability to cope. In addition to having the church pray for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families, the grandparents would like the church to take a more active role in educating the community on HIV/AIDS prevention and in reducing the stigma associated with the disease. They seek little church support for themselves personally, but hope that through the church's efforts, others will not have to endure what they are experiencing. With this knowledge comes better informing HIV/AIDS education program design. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, quality of life, religions, spirituality, carers, black and minority ethnic people, coping behaviour, grandparents;
Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2(3/4), 2004, pp.105-118.
Publisher:
Routledge
Place of publication:
Philadelphia
The purpose of this programme was to create an intergenerational, faith-based health and wellness programme for kinship caregivers and their families (i.e., grandparents and other relatives who are raising children and their children's children). The programme took place over a 12-week period in a faith-based setting and focused on education in (a) Health, Exercise, Nutrition and Stress
The purpose of this programme was to create an intergenerational, faith-based health and wellness programme for kinship caregivers and their families (i.e., grandparents and other relatives who are raising children and their children's children). The programme took place over a 12-week period in a faith-based setting and focused on education in (a) Health, Exercise, Nutrition and Stress Management; (b) Parenting Education; and (c) Religious Practices (such as worship, scripture, and prayer). Each week's session included lunch, which modeled a healthy, easy to prepare, and cost-effective meal. Both quantitative and qualitative measurement techniques were employed. The number of participants completing both pre and post-tests was small and therefore not valid for statistical tests of significance. Nonetheless, the quantitative findings of the scales viewed in combination with the qualitative findings of the focus groups, participant observation and interviews provide some helpful indicators of the programme's outcomes and effectiveness. Participants in the health and wellness programme reported that they became more aware of resources in the community, used nutritional information provided, noticed positive changes in the home, felt a feeling of connectedness with others in the program, used new stress management techniques, gained a greater understanding of their grandchildren and appreciated the social support the programme provided. The experience of providing a faith-based intergenerational health and wellness programme was rewarding for caregivers, children and staff. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580)
Subject terms:
informal care, intergenerational relationships, meal services, nutrition, parental skills training, quality of life, religions, stress, carers, family relations, grandparents;
This volume introduces the work of the Economic and Social Reseach Council (ESRC) funded Growing Older Programme (1999-2004). It focuses on ways in which quality of life can be extended for older people and offers short research-based summaries of key findings on a variety of core topics with a major emphasis on the views of older people themselves. Topics discussed include: defining and measuring quality of life; inequalities in quality of life; technology and the built environment; healthy and active ageing; family and support networks; and participation and grandparenthood.
This volume introduces the work of the Economic and Social Reseach Council (ESRC) funded Growing Older Programme (1999-2004). It focuses on ways in which quality of life can be extended for older people and offers short research-based summaries of key findings on a variety of core topics with a major emphasis on the views of older people themselves. Topics discussed include: defining and measuring quality of life; inequalities in quality of life; technology and the built environment; healthy and active ageing; family and support networks; and participation and grandparenthood.
Subject terms:
older people, outcomes, quality of life, social exclusion, social networks, activities of daily living, ageing, assistive technology, families, family relations, health care, health needs, grandparents;
University of Sheffield. Department of Sociological Studies
Publication year:
2002
Pagination:
4p.
Place of publication:
Sheffield
Recent socio-economic and demographic changes, such as increasing female labour force participation, rises in the age at which children leave home and improvements in longevity are all likely to have increased the number of people 'caught in the middle',that is, juggling paid work and caring responsibilities, whilst still supporting their own children. This research explored changes in economic and social roles across four birth cohorts passing through mid-life (45-59/64 years). It investigated the relationship between multiple role responsibilities and a range of indicators of quality life including health, material resources and engagement in social activities. The project was based upon secondary analysis of four different surveys:the 2000 British Household Panel Study (BHPS), the 1994-95 Family and Working Lives Survey (FWLS), the 1985, 1990, 1995 General Household Survey (GHS) and the longitudinal 1988/89 and 1994 Retirement Survey (RS).
Recent socio-economic and demographic changes, such as increasing female labour force participation, rises in the age at which children leave home and improvements in longevity are all likely to have increased the number of people 'caught in the middle',that is, juggling paid work and caring responsibilities, whilst still supporting their own children. This research explored changes in economic and social roles across four birth cohorts passing through mid-life (45-59/64 years). It investigated the relationship between multiple role responsibilities and a range of indicators of quality life including health, material resources and engagement in social activities. The project was based upon secondary analysis of four different surveys:the 2000 British Household Panel Study (BHPS), the 1994-95 Family and Working Lives Survey (FWLS), the 1985, 1990, 1995 General Household Survey (GHS) and the longitudinal 1988/89 and 1994 Retirement Survey (RS).
Subject terms:
home care, labour market, mothers, older people, quality of life, social activities, surveys, ageing, carers, child care, children, demographics, employment, grandparents;