Program Area: Behavioral and Social Sciences
Nancy Mendoza, PhD
Assistant Professor
College of Social Work
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loriena Yancura, PhD, FGSA, CFLE
Professor
Family and Consumer Studies
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Nancy Mendoza, PhD
Assistant Professor
College of Social Work
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
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Yanfeng Xu, PhD
Assistant Professor
College of Social Work
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Youjung Lee, PhD
Associate Professor
Social Work
Binghamton University
Binghamton, New York, United States
Acacia Lopez, M.S.
Doctoral Student
Psychology
Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi, United States
In line with this year’s conference theme, we examine diversity in different forms, such as racial, cultural, and familial diversity. We discuss the importance of diversity’s influence on the experiences of grandfamilies and the impact it has on their members. Findings from a study with Latinx grandparent caregivers suggest that those raising grandchildren often do not view themselves as “raising,” but instead “helping.” Such findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural norms to appropriately tailor services and resources. In an exploration of the experiences of Korean custodial grandparents, findings demonstrated the influence of patrilineality and stigma surrounding divorce for Korean grandparent-headed families, indicating the importance of considering a grandparents’ position in the family when providing services. In a study with custodial grandparents during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers examined the role of racial discrimination on grandparents' depressive symptoms and access to health services. Results indicated a higher level of perceived racial discrimination was associated with more depressive symptoms. These results imply the need to address racial/ethnic disparities experienced by these caregivers. Similarly, in a study of emerging adults raised by grandparents, race moderated the influence of attachment on symptoms of racial discrimination. Findings support the use of interventions addressing attachment and ethnic identity to decrease symptoms of racial trauma in grandfamilies. Together these four studies reiterate the diversity of grandfamilies, enrich our understanding of these families, and encourage us to reimagine how to best serve them.
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Nancy Mendoza, PhD – The Ohio State University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Yanfeng Xu, PhD – University of South Carolina
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Youjung Lee, PhD – Binghamton University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Acacia Lopez, M.S. – Mississippi State University