| Learning Objective #1: describe the level of emotional problems in grandchildren raised by grandparents. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: discuss variables that influence behavior problems in children raised by grandparents. |
The sample comprised 511 children, ages 2-16 years (M= 8.53), who are predominantly African American (98%) and being raised by grandparents. All participants were reported to have experienced one or more forms of child maltreatment with neglect and abandonment most common.
The dependent variable, child behavior problems, was measured with the Child Behavior Checklist (Auchenbach, 1992). Independent variables included the home environment (Home Observation Measure of the Environment, Caldwell and Bradley, 2003); grandparent psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory, Derogotis, 1993); family resources (Family Resource Scale, Dunst and Leet, 1987); family social support (Family Support Scale, Dunst and Trivett, 1989); grandchild age, grandparent age, length of time with grandparent, and total number of grandchildren in being raised by their grandparents. Results indicated that more than one out of ten (13.1%) child participants scored in the deviant range on child behavior problems. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the following variables as predictors of child behavior problems: grandparent psychological distress, number of grandchildren being raised, child age, grandparent age, and family resources (R2 = .35, F= 44.33. p = .001). In summary, a total of 35% of the variance was explained by the model, with grandparent psychological distress the strongest predictor of child behavior problems. Discussion will include study limitations, implications for practice, and recommendations for further research.