Showing papers on "Grandparent published in 1985"

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. I. General description of the cross-sectional study of 1980, and an account of the children's and families' state of health

Abstract: The paper describes the general outline of a multicentre study on the risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD) and their determinants in children of various ages in different parts of Finland. The study was a cross-sectional one, and was carried out in 1980 in five university cities of Finland with medical schools and in 12 rural communities in their vicinity. The randomized sample included an equal number of boys and girls, aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 years, and an equal number of urban and rural population in each area. The total sample size was 4,320 subjects, and of these 3,596 participated (83.1%). The families received before the medical examination of the child, questionnaires on the socioeconomic background the child's general health and development, the parents' and grandparents' health status, and the child's food and exercise habits. At the physical examination also a fasting blood sample (lipids, insulin, trace elements) was taken, a bundle of hair was cut for trace element analysis, and a 48-hour recall on food intake was obtained from every second subject. 19.5% of the children had in their history some long-term disease, allergic diseases being the most common. CHD and other cardiovascular diseases were significantly more frequent among the grandparents and parents in eastern than in western Finland. The study is meant to be a basis for a longitudinal study.

The Grandparent/Grandchild Relationship: Family Resource in an Era of Voluntary Bonds.

Abstract: As a result of basic demographic changes, the grandparent/grandchild relationship has the potential for spanning three to four decades of life. In light of this newly emerging family phenomenon the present article reviews the grandparent/grandchild relationship relative to the older adult, the middle generation, and the grandchild. The role of grandparents as a potential family resource is discussed and implications for family life programming are suggested.

Adolescents' Relationships With Grandparents: An Empirical Contribution to Conceptual Clarification

Abstract: Findings from research in which a sample of 132 late adolescents completed questionnaires about their relationships with each of their living grandparents are reported. The grandchildren were most likely to describe their relationships with their maternal grandmothers as close and least likely to describe their bonds with the paternal grandparents in this way. Grandchildren's current evaluations of relationships with their grandparents were affected by access to the particular grandparent in childhood and their perceptions of each of their parents' relationships with the specific grandparent. The findings demonstrate empirically the importance for future research of conceptualizing the grandparent-grandchild tie as both particularistic and mediated through a biological and an in-law-child.

Later life families

Abstract: Later Life Families The Married Couple Generational Relationships Mutual Support Grandparents, Siblings and Other Relatives Widowhood The Divorced and Never Marrieds Later Life Families in the Future

Accuracy of knowledge of family history of cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: There has been increased interest in the use of familial trends in physical and psychological disorders for identifying individuals at risk; research on individuals who have relatives with certain health problems may contribute to knowledge of etiology. In addition, accurate family health information may allow targeting of prevention and early detection programs to minimize cost and maximize utility. This study compared 292 undergraduates' reports of their parents' and grandparents' histories of six medical disorders with the parents' reports. Results showed moderate agreement concerning the parents' health, but substantial disagreement concerning the grandparents' health. Demographic and personality variables did not predict accuracy of students' reports of parental hypertension. Among the disorders, differences in agreement of reporting arose; the most salient condition, heart attack, had the highest agreement for both parents and grandparents. These results suggested that caution is necessary in evaluating family health information from subjects in research and from target individuals in prevention programs. This problem is especially serious for disorders such as hypertension, which is less salient and which also shows age-related penetrance, with the disorder often not evident until the 5th or 6th decade of life.

Helping adults mourn the death of a child.

Abstract: When a child dies, the circle of adults who are affected in some way is indeed large. Although parents are the adults most centrally affected, grandparents, other relatives, church members, neighbors and professional caregivers all can be profoundly influenced by the loss. All of these adults can experience a variety of emotional and behavioral symptoms commonly called grief. The intensity and duration of the grief response depends on many variables including the specific relationship of the adult to the child, past experiences with death, and the personality of the adult. The grief process for parents and close relatives may last for several years. Although professional grief is generally of shorter duration and less intensity, repeated experiences with child death can eventually lead to a major grief response in the caregivers. For all grievers left behind when a child dies, the most significant human need is caring, that is, human contact with at least one other person who shows understanding and patie...

Parents and grandparents view the autistic child.

Abstract: Mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers of 19 autistic children completed a questionnaire describing their view of the handicapped child, the impact of the child on the parent, and the relationship between the parents and grandparents. Paired t tests revealed that whenever there was a significant difference between the generations, grandparents took a more positive view. For example, maternal grandmothers had a more positive view of the child than did their daughters, and paternal grandmothers had a more positive view of their relationship with their son than did the son. Grandmothers demonstrated an empathic understanding of their daughter's experiences. There was a significant Pearson product-moment correlation between grandmothers and grandfathers in overall scores, their view of the child, and how they viewed their son's or daughter's experiences as the parent of a handicapped child. Maternal grandparents visited the family significantly more often than paternal grandparents. The study offers us a first empirical look at grandparents and their autistic grandchild.

Parent interview findings regarding the impact of cystic fibrosis on families.

Abstract: An assessment of the impact of cystic fibrosis (CF) was conducted with 43 families. Semistructured parental interviews on family functioning, parent-child interactions, sibling and peer relationships, and medical issues were coded by two independent raters to identify "major," "minor", or "no" problems. Of the 62 questions presented, only 8 were viewed by more than 10% of parents as "major problems." The impact of hospitalization upon parents was the most prevalent "major problem." Parental communication was a "major problem" for 28% of the mothers but for only one father. Ten to 15% of the parents described "major problems" related to: their marital relationship, accepting the illness, feeling they should do more for their child with CF, feeling their other children had been deprived or complained about inattention, or their relationship with the ill child's grandparents. While most families were generally coping successfully, health care professionals should be alert to specific areas of potential problems.

Old Age Security and the One-child Campaign

Abstract: In each of the four post-1949 birth control campaigns, official and unofficial sources have claimed that elderly grandparents undermined government efforts to restrict family size by their persistent desire for many grandchildren.1 Evidence supporting the elderly’s preference for large families, particularly for large numbers of male descendants to carry on the family surname, is widely available. Conclusive proof that elderly parents actively block acceptance of the one-child ideal, however, is more difficult to find. In fact, Chinese government sources generally identify young people as the main sources of opposition and focus propaganda efforts on the young, involving the elderly only as a secondary audience.2 The pattern of rewards and punishments used to achieve the goals of the one-child family also confirm the importance of resistance by the young rather than the old.3 It is the salaries of the young parents that are reduced if they violate their birth-quota and it is the young couples not the grandparents who receive all bonuses and preferential treatment for compliance. Why then should there be any concern with the role of the elderly in the one-child campaign?

GRANDPARENT VISITATION RIGHTS: Rendering Family Dissension More Pronounced?

Abstract: Legislation allowing grandparents to file suit to gain court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren is now law in most states. Legal issues and reported cases are presented, and problems for children and families that are posed by this sort of legal conflict are outlined.

Guiding The Family: Practical Counseling Techniques

Abstract: This second edition provides easily understood theory for the professional student and a wealth of practical suggestions for parents and educators It is designed to help parents, grandparents, baby sitters, clergy, teachers, nannies and others who may influence the child's psychological development.

The Meaning of Grandparents' Day Cards: An Analysis of the Intergenerational Network.

Abstract: On September 6, 1970, a declaration creating a new national holiday, Grandparents' Day, was issued by President Carter. This paper presents a content analysis of a sample of 110 Grandparents' Day Cards. The analysis used two organizing principles: intensity of relationships to categorize the messages, direct and indirect; and five components of grandparental role to categorize visual images-social role, emotional state, transactions, group processes and symbol. Direct relationship in person-to-person messages allowed grandchildren to "talk" to the grandparents. Indirect relationship in a majority of cards expressed impersonal messages of admiration and love. Status was ascribed in few cards, mostly in a non-specific manner. Love was expressed in a majority of the cards, often tempered by vagueness. Depictions of still life scenes looked like all purpose cards. Physical portrayal grandparents seemed to be avoided with cards projecting grandparents as benign, nonpowerful figures. In spite of joyous themes and superlatives used, the cards did not tend to express personal commitment.

Helping siblings and other peers cope with dying.

Abstract: A family practitioner in Indiana as a routine part of his evaluation of a new family has at least one long interview with the entire family together to evaluate family patterns and interactions, with the belief that these will vitally influence the health and illnesses of all members of the family over time. A family therapist dealing with a patient with a major mental illness has sessions with the entire nuclear family, and at times even sessions with both sets of grandparents or other members of the extended family. An oncologist chooses always to discuss initial diagnosis, and any major new information with a patient and spouse together, to insure clarity of understanding and family communication. A parents group is set up for the parents of children with leukemia to meet and share their experiences, not only with their ill children, but also of the effects on themselves, their marriages, and their other children. At one medical center, whenever a child is dying, an attempt is made to meet at least onc...

Creative grandparenting. Bonding the generations.

Abstract: Grandparents are a vital link for young families. The support grandparents can provide to the new family is now more important than ever. A creative grandparenting program can increase the likelihood that grandparent support is effective and welcomed. This article includes a discussion of such a program, suggested content areas to include, and the development of appropriate teaching strategies.

The Care of Older Children When a Sibling is Born

Abstract: Summary: This study into the care of a child when his/her mother is hospitalized has shown that most care is given by the father and the grandparents. However, about 10% of mothers do not feel or recognize their child's need to understand why she is not at home, where she is, nor to visit her in hospital.

Parents and Grandparents Vg V'ihO '/stir

Abstract: Mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers of 19 autistic children completed a questionnaire describing their view of the handicapped child, the impact of the child on the parent, and the relationship between the parents and grandparents. Paired t tests revealed that whenever there was a significant difference between the generations', grandparents took a more positive view. For example, maternal grandmothers had a more positive view of the child than did their daughters, and paternal grandmothers had a more positive view of their relationship with their son than did the son. Grandmothers demonstrated an empathic understanding of their daughter's experiences. There was a significant Pearson product-moment correlation between grandmothers and grandfathers in overall scores, their view of the child, and how they viewed their son's or daughter's experiences as the parent of a handicapped child. Maternal grandparents visited the family significantly more often than paternal grandparents. The study offers us a first empirical look at grandparents and their autistic grandchild.