Affectionate Communication Is Associated With Emotional and Relational Resources in the Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship |
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Authors: | Daniel Hans Mansson Kory Floyd Jordan Soliz |
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Institution: | 1. Penn State Hazleton, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, USA;2. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA;3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA |
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Abstract: | Grounded in affection exchange theory (AET; Floyd, 2006), this study examined the extent to which affection received from grandparents is associated with grandchildren’s perceptions of their grandparents and their grandparent-grandchild relationship (in the form of emotional closeness, shared family identity, and perceived availability of social support). Young adult grandchildren (N = 171) completed several instruments in reference to their relationship with a specific grandparent. The results of multiple regression analyses generally supported the hypotheses that received affection is associated positively with grandchildren’s perceptions of their grandparents and their grandparent-grandchild relationship. These findings support AET’s utility in the grandparent-grandchild relationship and the notion that grandparents often influence their grandchildren’s perceptions of their family. |
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Keywords: | Affection exchange theory emotional closeness grandchildren grandparents shared family identity social support |
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