Responses of Young Adult Grandchildren to Grandparents' Painful Self-Disclosures

• In Event: Communication and Aging Division: Top 3 papers

Abstract

This study examined grandchildren’s relational and communicative responses to grandparents’ painful self disclosures (PSDs). From the perspective of young adult grandchildren (N = 297), discomfort with PSD is more significant in differentiating positive and negative aspects of the grandparent-grandchild relationship than simply the presence of self-disclosure. Further, results reveal that the family communication environment and communicative responsiveness of the grandchild are important factors in predicting discomfort with PSDs as well as grandchildren’s communication with grandparents.

Authors

• Craig Fowler, California State University, Fresno

• Jordan Soliz, University of Nebraska, Lincoln