Project Healthy Grandparents
Scholarly Publications Continued
Kelley, S., Whitley, D., Sipe, T. & Yorker, B. (2000). Psychological distress in grandmother kinship care providers: The role of resources, social support, and physical health. Child Abuse & Neglect, 24 (3), 311-321. Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of psychological distress in grandmother kinship care providers. More specifically, it was hypothesized that social support, family resources, and physical health would predict psychological distress in grandmother's raising grandchildren. One hundred and two grandmothers raising grandchildren in parent-absent homes completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, Short Health Form-36, Family Resource Scale, Family Support Scale, and a questionnaire requesting background and demographic data. Results indicated that psychological distress was predicted by family resources, participants' physical health, and to a lesser extent, social support. Grandmothers who reported fewer resources, less social support, and poorer physical health tended to experience higher levels of psychological distress. This study suggests that greater attention be given to interventions aimed to decrease psychological distress and improve the financial resources and physical health of grandmothers raising grandchildren.
Whitley, D., White, K., Kelley, S., & Yorker, B. (1999). Strengths-based case management: The application to grandparents raising grandchildren. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services. 110-119.
Abstract
Strengths-based case management is an alternative service modality for work with individuals and families. This method stresses building on the strengths of individuals that can be sued to resolve current problems and issues, countering more traditional approaches that focus almost exclusively on individuals' deficits or needs. This article expands the literature on the application of the strengths-based model by using a project that provides health and social services to grandparents raising their grandchildren. Based on anecdotal results, the strengths-based model appears to have value in fostering a sense of independence and self-assurance among grandparents, as well as enhancing their level of confidence to nurture and support their grandchildren. Suggested limitations and implications for family practice and future research are noted.