Perceived Changes in Grandmother-Grandchild Relations Following a Child's Separation or Divorce

Abstract

When 80 grandmothers were queried about interaction pre- and post-marital breakdown, contact between them and their grandchildren was perceived to increase, as well as participation in commercial recreation and provision of certain types of support, such as babysitting, teaching family history and tradition, and proffering advice on personal problems. Geographic proximity and the custodial status of adult children were important factors mediating perceived changes in contact and support.