Examining Grandparents’ Perceptions of Expectations and Family Communication Patterns in the Development of Grandparent–Grandchild Relationships

Abstract

ABSTRACT Framed using Family Communication Patterns Theory, this study examined today’s grandparent experience by drawing connections among grandparental role expectations, family communication patterns, and relationship satisfaction with one’s grandchild and adult child. Grandparent role expectations operate as relational schemas that include general expectations about what individuals should do as grandparents and might color the choices an individual makes in communicating with family members. Based on survey responses from 380 grandparents in the United States, the results support both direct and indirect connections among role expectations for grandparents as friends, more open/less-controlling interactions, and more satisfying family relationships. Expectations for grandparents as guardians were positively associated with two components of conformity orientation. The findings offer theoretical and practical implications such as demonstrating that family communication patterns may serve as a mediating mechanism in some circumstances and the powerful influence that conversation orientation has in developing high-quality grandparent–grandchild relationships.