The Impacts of COVID-19 on Rural Grandfamilies

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: PS 13 Topic - Family Context & Processes

Abstract

Families headed by grandparents is a common alternative childrearing arrangement in rural communities (e.g., Blalock, Tiller & Monroe, 2004). Extended family networks are common support systems in general in rural areas, particularly when families are stressed by the pressures of low income and scarce resources such as housing and food (e.g., Cook, Alford, & Conway, 2012). When parents are unable to care for children, grandparents often stand in as primary caretakers. While this adds a resilience factor in the form of continuity, some grandparents may experience significant stress when the feel this new role is thrust upon them without their consent or without adequate preparation. Despite the call for additional research on these common alternative family units, little empirical data exists regarding their experiences (e.g., Cook, et al 2012). The advent of COVID-19 placed new stressors on grandfamilies, thrusting grandparents into yet another role, that of educator with a mastery of digital technology. The digital divide and educational disparities placed rural grandfamilies at increased risk compared to urban grandfamilies. This poster will review quantitative survey data as well as a small amount of qualitative interview data from rural grandparents regarding their experience of providing education during the pandemic. Data regarding stress levels, negative family interactions, ease of use of technology, and quality of life will be examined using multiple regression analyses to examine disparities in grandfamily experiences in rural areas. Results will be discussed in terms of educational policy implications.

Group Authors

Marshall University Rural Developmental Child and Family Consortium

Authors

• Lesley Epperly-Cottrell, West Virginia University
  Presenting Author

• Melissa S Atkins, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Conrae Lucas Adkins, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marianna Footo Linz, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer Tiano, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Rebecca Jennings Knotts, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Sandra Stroebel, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Keelon Hinton, Marshall University
  Non-Presenting Author