Communication between Grandparents and Grandchildren in Geographically Separated Relationships

Abstract

This study examined grandparents' reports of their use of three media—face-to-face, telephone, and email—in geographically separated relationships with grandchildren. Grandparents used telephone and email more frequently than face-to-face communication. There were no sex differences in frequency and satisfaction with the three media. Email use was examined in depth due to the dearth of research on its use. Grandparents who reported that they and their grandchildren were equally likely to initiate email were more satisfied with its frequency and quality than those who reported primary responsibility for email communication. Satisfaction with telephone communication predicted relational quality.

Keywords:

• Grandchildren
• Grandparents
• Mediated Communication

The authors thank the reviewers and editor Jim Query, Jr. for their helpful comments that improved this manuscript. A portion of this research was presented to the Commission on Communication & Aging, NCA, 2003.

Notes

Note: Means with different superscripts are significantly different (p < .0167).

Note: ∗p < .05, ∗∗p < .01, two- tailed test.

This manuscript was accepted by the previous editor, Professor Jim L. Query.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sherry J. Holladay

Sherry J. Holladay (PhD Purdue University).

Heather L. Seipke

Heather L. Seipke, (PhD Wayne State University).