Intergenerational co-parenting in the postpartum period: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background: With the increasing involvement of women in the workforce, the involvement of grandparents in infant care is a phenomenon that is climbing worldwide. Studies on intergenerational co-parenting are still in their infancy, and no consensus has been reached on the concept.

Objectives: The aim here is to explore the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of intergenerational co-parenting and clarify the concept of intergenerational co-parenting specifically during the postpartum period.

Methods: The Rodgers' evolutionary framework (2000) for concept analysis was adopted to guide the process of developing, clarifying, and refining the concept of "intergenerational co-parenting."

Results: A total of 14 original articles on intergenerational co-parenting covering the postpartum period were included. Six attributes were identified from the literature: division of labor on infant care between parents and grandparents, generational boundaries, intergenerational transmission, reciprocal support between parents and grandparents in infant care, commitment on parenting decisions between parents and grandparents, and intergenerational communication. Sharing the responsibility of childrearing with grandparents, the development stage of the family, family structure, and cultural origins were antecedents of intergenerational co-parenting that emerged from the literature. The consequences of intergenerational co-parenting included the mother's parenting self-efficacy, the psychological health of both the grandparents and parents, the co-parenting relationship between the couple, and the intergenerational relationship.

Conclusions: Based on the identified antecedents, attributes, and consequences of intergenerational co-parenting, and a definition of the concept of intergenerational co-parenting during the postpartum period of first-time parents, a conceptual framework was proposed. The conceptual framework will serve as a platform for developing a supportive program for intergenerational co-parenting in the postpartum period and for related research. To improve the intergenerational co-parenting relationship, postpartum interventions should involve both generations who are involved in infant care. In addition, the components of division of labor, generational boundaries, mutual support between the generations on infant care, the commitment on parenting decision-making within two generations, and skills of intergenerational communication should be considered in intergenerational co-parenting interventions.

Keywords: Antecedents; Attributes; Co-parenting; Concept analysis; Consequences; Intergenerational co-parenting.