Affiliation:
1. College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
2. Carolina Family Engagement Center, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Abstract
This study examined the associations of grandparent–grandchild relational closeness and conflict with grandchildren’s socioemotional and behavioral problems, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors. We analyzed primary cross-sectional survey data collected from custodial grandparents in the United States using logistic regression models. The results indicated that grandparent–grandchild relational closeness was significantly associated with lower odds of custodial grandchildren having emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors, whereas grandparent–grandchild relational conflict was significantly associated with higher odds of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors. Implications for increasing grandparent–grandchild relational closeness and decreasing relational conflicts among grandparent-headed families are discussed, which might improve grandchildren’s socioemotional and behavioral well-being.
Funder
University of South Carolina the Office of the Vice President Research Racial Justice and Equity Research Fund
Subject
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
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