Annotation: on the grandmothers' role in the adjustment and maladjustment of grandchildren.
The present annotation explores the impact of grandmother involvement on their grandchildren's adjustment. A review of relevant research suggests that the impact of such involvement is conditional on a range of factors, including (a) the level of need experienced by the mother and child, (b) the mother-grandmother relationship history, (c) the developmental stage and life circumstances of the grandmother, (d) the levels of disagreement between mother and grandmother over child-related issues, and (e) the perceived appropriateness of involvement in cultural and interpersonal terms. Under most circumstances grandmother involvement is not a pre-requisite for grandchild adjustment. Where a genuine need for support exists and the support offered is tailored to meet that need, then grandmother involvement can represent a protective feature of the family environment. However, in situations where no such need exists, or the grandmother-mother relationship history precludes a harmonious relationship, then grandmother involvement can represent a risk factor and have a negative effect on family functioning and child adjustment.
Lavers
C A
CA
Dept. of Psychology, University of Southampton, U.K.
Sonuga-Barke
E J
EJ
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care; D002657:Child Development; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012917:Social Adjustment