'It's Just What You Do:' Exploring Relationships Between Young-Adult Grandchildren and their Grandfathers

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Title
'It's Just What You Do:' Exploring Relationships Between Young-Adult Grandchildren and their Grandfathers
Author
Jacoby A. Leseberg
Margaret M. Manoogian
Faculty Sponsor
Margaret Manoogian
Abstract
The grandparent role is a dynamic and often ambivalent relationship requiring simultaneous navigation of “being there” and “not interfering” in the lives of grandchildren (Mason, May, & Clarke, 2007). These relationships change as grandchildren mature and can result in new grandparent-grandchild connections based on communication, intimacy, and mutual respect (Sheehan & Petrovic, 2008). Utilizing a sample of grandfathers and young-adult grandchildren (N = 32), this study investigated the impact that grandfathers have on their young-adult grandchildren. Utilizing a life course perspective, we asked: a) How do grandfathers invest in the futures of their young-adult grandchildren? b) How do young-adult grandchildren recognize and receive their grandfather’s investments in their futures? Results suggest that grandfathers emphasized their grandparenting role but undervalued their contributions to their grandchildren. Grandfathers and grandchildren also did not always agree on the transmissions intended and received. When asked to recall meaningful memories of grandfathers, young-adult grandchildren were more likely to remember instances of shared hobbies, interests, and personal connection. Findings have implications for understanding and strengthening the ties between grandfathers and their grandchildren.
Subject
Gerontology
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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Type
Text
volume
8
Date Published
12/17/2019
Note
Margaret Manoogian
Alternative Title
It's Just What You Do
Identifier
pure/vol8/iss1/10