A Dyadic Analysis of Grandparent and Adult Grandchildren Solidarity and Topic Avoidance

Abstract

The grandparent-adult grandchild relationship is integral to the health and preservation of the family. The intergenerational relationship makes several transformations as each party ages and experiences life transitions. This study used actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) to examine affectual and consensual solidarity and topic avoidance in the grandparent-adult grandchild dyad. The sample for this quantitative study included 62 grandparent-adult grandchild dyads, with the grandchild sampling drawn from college students. Results indicate that both grandparents and grandchildren reported lower consensual solidarity when they avoided topics to protect their relationship. Grandparents reported higher consensual solidarity when their grandchildren avoided topics to protect this intergenerational relationship. Both grandparents and adult grandchildren experienced meaning and burden in the grandparent-adult grandchild relationship.