Relational Maintenance Behaviors in the Grandchild–Grandparent Relationship

Abstract

This study examined grandchildren's use of relational maintenance behaviors when interacting with their grandparents and how these behaviors are associated with grandchildren's perceived communication satisfaction with their grandparents and grandparent provision of communication-based emotional support. Undergraduate students (N = 238) reported on their relationships with the grandparent with whom they had the most recent interaction. Results indicate that grandchildren use (in descending order) the positivity, conflict management, tasks, assurances, networks, advice, and openness relational maintenance behaviors. Perceived grandparent provision of communication-based emotional support and grandchildren communication satisfaction with grandparents were directly and positively related to grandchildren's use of relational maintenance behaviors.