Grandparents’ and young adult grandchildren’s identity gaps and perceived caregiving intentions

Abstract

Utilizing communication theory of identity, this study examined identity gaps in relation to grandparents’ (GPs') and their young adult grandchildren's (GC's) communication satisfaction and, in turn, perceptions of GC’s caregiving intentions. Actor–partner interdependence models were examined with path analyses, using self-reported, cross-sectional survey data from GPs and GC (200 dyads). In regard to actor effects, as GPs and GC experienced identity gaps, they were less likely to report communication satisfaction. With lower levels of communication satisfaction, GPs were less likely to believe their GC would provide care for them in the future and GC had weaker intentions to provide care in the future. For partner effects, GP identity gaps were indirectly associated with grandchild caregiving intentions through either GP or GC communication satisfaction. By contrast, GC identity gaps were not significantly indirectly associated with GP perceptions of GC caregiving intentions through either GP or GC communication satisfaction.