Intensity of Grandparent Caregiving, Health, and Well-Being in Cultural Context: A Systematic Review

Athena C Y Chan; Sun-Kyung Lee; Jingchen Zhang; Jasmine Banegas; Scott Marsalis; Abigail H Gewirtz

doi:10.1093/geront/gnac026

Intensity of Grandparent Caregiving, Health, and Well-Being in Cultural Context: A Systematic Review

Gerontologist. 2023 Jun 15;63(5):851-873. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnac026.

Authors

Athena C Y Chan¹, Sun-Kyung Lee², Jingchen Zhang³, Jasmine Banegas⁴, Scott Marsalis⁵, Abigail H Gewirtz^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
² Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
³ Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.
⁴ Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
⁵ University Libraries, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

PMID: 35176155
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac026

Abstract

Background and objectives: Grandparents are key resources in grandchildren care globally. However, mixed findings indicated that multiple role engagement may enhance well-being and bring demands on grandparent caregivers in different contexts. This systematic review examines the association between the intensity of grandparent caregiving and their health and well-being (i.e., physical, mental, cognitive, and life satisfaction) by continent and country/region.

Research design and methods: Systematic searches were conducted in 4 databases. Peer-reviewed articles with quantitative designs published between 1990 and November 2021 were identified. A rigorous selection process was followed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The studies were critically appraised, and their results were narratively synthesized.

Results: Sixty-five articles from 29 countries/regions were included. Findings suggested a concave curvilinear relationship between the intensity of grandparent caregiving and their health and well-being, with the optimal caregiving intensity varying across sociocultural contexts. In Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and South America, providing supplementary or occasional care seems beneficial for grandparents' health and well-being, especially supporting dual-earner families. In East Asia, economic resources appear to buffer the adverse effect of primary care on grandparents' well-being. In the United States, findings vary across ethnicity/race.

Discussion and implications: Collectively, the intensity of grandparent caregiving, health, and well-being is complicated by grandparents' roles in the family and cultural differences. Acknowledging the bidirectional relationship between well-being and grandparents' capacity for providing care, the well-being as outcome is a limitation. Despite so, this systematic review calls for culturally-tailored family programs to support grandparent caregiving.

Keywords: Caregiver stress; Custodial grandparents; Grandfamilies; Grandparents raising grandchildren; Intensity of grandchild care.

Publication types

Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Caregivers / psychology
Data Management
Ethnicity
Family
Grandparents* / psychology
Humans
United States

Grants and funding

University of Minnesota