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Grandparenting, health, and well-being: a systematic literature review

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  • Mirkka Danielsbacka

    (University of Turku)

  • Lenka Křenková

    (Charles University)

  • Antti O. Tanskanen

    (University of Turku)

Abstract

Whether grandparenting is associated with improved health or well-being among older adults is a salient question in present-day aging societies. This systematic review compiles studies that consider the health or well-being outcomes of grandparenting, concerning (1) custodial grandparent families, where grandparents are raising grandchildren without parental presence; (2) three-generation households, where grandparents are living with adult children and grandchildren; and (3) non-coresiding grandparents, who are involved in the lives of their grandchildren. Review was based on literature searches conducted in September 2019 via Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Ebsco. We screened 3868 abstracts across four databases, and by following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified 92 relevant articles (117 studies) that were published between 1978 and 2019. In 68% of cases, custodial grandparenting was associated with decreased health or well-being of grandparents. The few studies considering the health or well-being of grandparents living in three-generation households provided mixed findings (39% positive; 39% negative). Finally, in 69% of cases, involvement of non-coresiding grandparents was associated with improved grandparental outcomes; however, there was only limited support for the prediction that involved grandparenting being causally associated with grandparental health or well-being. Despite this, after different robustness checks (counting all nonsignificant results, taking into account the representativeness of the data and causal methodology), the main finding remains the same: the most negative results are found among custodial grandparents and three-generation households and most positive results among non-coresiding grandparents.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirkka Danielsbacka & Lenka Křenková & Antti O. Tanskanen, 2022. "Grandparenting, health, and well-being: a systematic literature review," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 341-368, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10433-021-00674-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00674-y
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    2. Wang, Lianjie & Tang, Yao, 2023. "Impacts of intergenerational caregiving on grandparents’ health: Implications for SDG-3," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 584-598.
    3. Kaylor-Tapscott, Makena L. & Sullivan, Maureen A., 2024. "Caregiver stress, parenting, and child outcomes among grandfamilies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    4. Htet Lin Htun & Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale & Alice J Owen & Joanne Ryan & Robyn L Woods & Suzanne G Orchard & André Hajek & Thom Lysen & Raj C Shah & Trevor T-J Chong & Kerry M Sheets & Johanna Joyce , 2024. "Social Activities and Risk of Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older People: Gender-Specific Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 79(5), pages 510-193.

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