The Role of Custodial Grandparenting on Grandmother Well-Being: Examining Protective Factors and Positive Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is robust literature regarding the negative impact of custodial grandparent caregiving on grandparent well-being, but limited examination of potential positive implications of the caregiving role. This study aimed to examine the effects of custodial grandmother caregiving on psychological well-being and to understand the role of adaptive skills and resources in moderating these effects. Custodial grandmothers positive affect was similar to their peers. Custodial caregiving was associated with decreased purpose in life (β=-.18, p = .01), and increased negative affect (β=.14, p = .03). Perceived support buffered the role of caregiving on negative affect, and custodial grandmothers with high levels of perceived support did not experience more negative affect than their peers. Custodial grandmothers positive affect is a strength that warrants further exploration, and perceived social support is an important resource for buffering negative outcomes.