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Examining the evolution of research on grandparent caregiving

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  • Chang, Yaqing
  • Cai, Xiaojing
  • Shao, Na

Abstract

Grandparents caring for grandchildren is a core component of family support and has become an increasingly common experience. To provide a comprehensive overview of research trends and patterns of grandparent caregiving, this study conducts an in-depth exploration of scholarly articles published between 1998 and 2023, drawing on publication data from the Clarivate Web of Science database. The results indicate a noteworthy expansion in global publications over the past decades. Key research areas include Gerontology, Family Studies, and Social Work. The United States emerges as a dominant contributor, especially in the early period, followed by a substantial growth trajectory observed in China. The author-level collaboration network reveals an overall sparse structure with closely-knit teams, alongside a prevailing culture of collaboration. Hot topics include health implications and intervention support, child welfare and maternal employment, grandparenthood and left-behind children, and causes of care and gender disparities. Trend analysis across authorship, research areas, and key topics reveals a shift from an initial focus on caregiving stress, health, and social support to issues related to retirement, fertility, well-being, left-behind children, and labor supply. These shifts are driven by factors such as population ageing, declining fertility rates and the rise of China as a scientific powerhouse. By analyzing these dimensions, this study sheds light on the development and future directions of grandparent caregiving research, thereby affording valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and community workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang, Yaqing & Cai, Xiaojing & Shao, Na, 2025. "Examining the evolution of research on grandparent caregiving," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:174:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925002166
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108333
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