Advisor
Johnson, Brian D., 1957-
Committee Member
Rings, Jeffrey A.
Committee Member
Hess, Robyn S.
Department
Applied Psychology and Counselor Education
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley, (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
7-26-2016
Genre
Thesis
Extent
245 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Abstract
Changing population demographics have important implications for intergenerational relationships. While research abounds on certain family relationships, less attention has been given to the relationship between an aging parent and her or his adult child. Two theoretical constructs that have consistently been useful for examining these relationships include intergenerational ambivalence (IGA) and, to a lesser degree, dimensions of grandparenthood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to suggest new measurement strategies for these constructs, expand on the correlates of IGA and a grandparent’s perceived ambivalence regarding her or his adult child’s parenting practices, and bring new perspectives to the experience of grandparenting. Using data from 210 grandparents, exploratory factor analyses and regression analyses were conducted. Results provided support for these new measurement strategies, and indicated that ambivalence related to parenting practices significantly accounts for overall IGA. Moreover, IGA accounted for a significant portion of a participant’s cognitive experience of grandparenting. This study has implications for the measurement of IGA and grandparenting, as well as clinical work with adults in transition and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Language
English
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
