Socioemotional and Behavioral Problems of Grandchildren Raised by Grandparents: The Role of Grandparent-Grandchild Relational Closeness and Conflict

Overview

Journal Children (Basel)

Specialty Health Services

Date 2023 Oct 28

PMID 37892286

Authors

Yanfeng Xu

Theresa M Harrison

Affiliations

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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.

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