Grandparenting children with disabilities: An introductory review with focus on theories and measurements
Formerly Dean-Research, Professor and Head, Department of Clinical Psychology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore: 570006, Karnataka, India.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 21(03), 1997–2008
Publication history:
Received on 17 February 2024; revised on 22 March 2024; accepted on 25 March 2024
Abstract:
The research on the experiences of grandparents involved in caring for children with disabilities is a neglected area in empirical studies. Using a survey design, titles of articles from national and international journals, books, and databases were collected in the fields of family science, gerontology, and disability studies. Out of 165 references available to the author until December 2023, 82 entries were reviewed by analyzing aspects such as format, timelines, journal titles, and themes that resulted in the identification of 20 relevant research articles primarly focusing on theories and measuremen. Grandparents were found to face unique challenges such as emotional stress, isolation, lack of peer support, the demanding nature of caregiving, and concerns about the future of their grandchildren with disabilities. Financial burdens for medical expenses, therapies, and special education services were other areas of concern. Issues like intergenerational conflicts, language barriers in multicultural settings, transportation difficulties, and toxic grandparenting are also highlighted. The study revealed a scarcity of information on grandparenting theories and measurement tools across different cultures and time periods. It calls for researchers to reassess, revise, and update existing theories, paradigms, models, tools, and measurements to adapt to the evolving landscape of caregiving for children with disabilities in the digital era.
Keywords:
Theories; Tools; Measures; Disabilities
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