Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren: A School-Based Small Group Intervention

Abstract

Although support groups are the most popular source of education and support for the growing number of grandparents who are rearing their grandchildren, the nature and efficacy of these groups have not been documented. This article presents data from an exploratory study of an 8-week school-based small group intervention. Comparison of pre- and posttest measures showed a reduction in depressive symptoms and in use of distancing as a coping strategy. Seeking social support and planful problem solving increased, as did knowledge about grandparent- related social services. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.