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

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.

Keywords

• custodial grandparents
• grandparent–grandchild relational closeness and conflict
• socioemotional and behavioral well-being
• custodial grandchildren