Grandparent–Adult Grandchild Relationships: Development of a Typology Using Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Grandparent–adult grandchild relationships may not be captured in existing grandparenting typologies, which focus on early stages of these relationships. Our study develops a typology for later stages, estimates the prevalence of grandparents in each category, and examines associations between category membership and grandparent and grandchild characteristics. Research Design and Methods Using a sample of 289 grandparents from the latest wave of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (2005), we employed latent class analysis to examine underlying categories of grandparent–adult grandchild relationships, based on four dimensions—frequency of contact, relationship quality, grandparents’ receipt of support, and geographic distance. Results Three latent classes emerged: Geographically Distant/Low Contact (45%), Geographically Close/High Contact (42%), and Geographically Close/Low Contact (13%). While geographic distance and frequency of contact were dimensions distinguishing grandparent–adult grandchild relationships, receipt of support and relationship quality were not. Most grandparents reported close relationships but infrequent support. Discussion and Implications By identifying categories of grandparent–adult grandchild relationships and factors influencing membership in them, our study may aid in efforts to strengthen those characterized by weak bonds—namely, those with grandparents who are older, frailer, and poorer.