Russian grandparent–grandchild communication: stories about the past and current events

Abstract

This paper is a continuation of the previous study [Romanov, A. Y. (2009b). Communication satisfaction and topics of conversation in grandparent–grandchild communication in Russia. Russian Journal of Communication, 2, 26–45] and examines 21 Russian grandparents' narratives about past and current events in grandparent–grandchild (GP–GC) interviews with the help of qualitative analysis. The study explores grandparents' narratives involving history and current events in an attempt to explain why the former topic is positively associated with grandparents' perceived communication satisfaction and the latter is negatively associated with their perceived communication satisfaction. Russian grandmothers and grandfathers articulate different messages, both about historical topics and current events, in GP–GC communication. Grandfathers talk more about their studies in younger years, their work, and their opinions on past events, whereas grandmothers disclose more about their relationships, interests, and tastes while discussing current events. Russian grandfathers tend to disclose less negative personal information to grandchildren than Russian grandmothers do. While talking about past or current events, Russian grandmothers make more disclosures indicating that they are seeking emotional support, particularly from their granddaughters.