ABSTRACT
Native American grandparents foster culture in their grandchildren and that enculturation predicts positive outcomes. No research has examined whether the warmth of the grandparent/grandchild relationship influences enculturation and thereby, resilience. We tested the hypothesis that warmth of the grandparent/grandchild relationship mediates the relationship between enculturation and resilience. Second, we hypothesize that warmer relationships with grandparents during childhood will predict greater resilience. Using a sample of 80 Native American adults (58 women, 22 men) ranging in age from 18 to 79 years (M = 40.41, SD = 15), we completed a multiple regression analysis using a path analytic/bootstrapping method. There was a significant indirect relationship between enculturation and resilience within the context of the grandparent/grandchild relationship. Warmth of relationship with grandparent positively predicted resilience. These results inform efforts to implement culture as a protective mechanism against the high rates of suicide, substance abuse, and instability within Native American communities.