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Article
Emotional Strain in Caregiving Among African American Grandmothers Raising Their Grandchildren
Journal of Women & Aging (2011)
  • Francine Conway
  • Samuel Jones
  • Amandia Speakes-Lewis, Molloy University
Abstract
African Americans are disproportionately represented in the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Using Role Strain Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, this study examines how older grandmothers fare relative to their younger counterparts. Eighty-five custodial African American grandmothers, aged 33–88 years old, completed demographic questionnaires and scales of Role Demand, Emotional Strain, Caregiving Strain Index, and Level of Care. Results showed older grandmothers experienced less emotional and caregiving strain relative to younger grandmothers. Furthermore, married grandmothers experienced less caregiving strain, and their age did not insulate them from the strain associated with the level of care. Implications are discussed.
Keywords
  • emotion strain,
  • grandparent caregiving,
  • African American older adults
Publication Date
2011
DOI
10.1080/08952841.2011.561142
Citation Information
Francine Conway, Samuel Jones and Amandia Speakes-Lewis. "Emotional Strain in Caregiving Among African American Grandmothers Raising Their Grandchildren" Journal of Women & Aging Vol. 23 Iss. 2 (2011) p. 113 - 128 ISSN: 0895-2841
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amandia-speakes-lewis/5/