GRANDPARENTS AND CHILDREN OF DIVORCE: THEIR CONTRASTING PERCEPTIONS AND DESIRES FOR THE POSTDIVORCE RELATIONSHIP

Seventy-seven children of divorce and their selected grandparents completed questionnaires that included a demographic section, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-II (FACES II; Olson, Bell, & Portner, 1982) to assess their relationships, and an instrument designed to identify shared activities and desires in these areas. Partners had similar present and future perceptions of relationship and activity factors. All participants desired future increases in both areas. Grandchildren and grandparents connected emotional bonding with grandparents' listening, keeping them safe, and gift giving; grandparents also thought a good relationship with the custodial parent was important. Most healthy and least healthy subgroups were identified. Membership in the healthiest group was related to geographic proximity, feminine gender for both partners, and being married and employed full-time for grandparents. Grandparents who were related by blood to custodial parents, had a good relationship with them, and negotiated their role were more likely to have a healthier relationship. Helping professionals are encouraged to explore these variables as they help family members negotiate the grandparent-grandchild relationship, use skill training to foster development in areas amenable to change, and use supportive tactics in areas of liability.