Empirical Investigation Of The Psychosocial Functioning Of Children Raised By Grandparents

Empirical studies describing the functioning of children raised by their grandparents are noticeably limited, yet custodial grandparenting has become a prominent alternate family structure. Grandparents may function better as surrogate parents than abusive parents, nonrelatives, or foster caregivers. Although many children raised by their grandparents enjoy favorable functioning, others experience significant school-adjustment difficulties. In this study, a psychometrically sound behavior rating scale is used to examine teachers\u27 perspectives regarding specific social-emotional behaviors of children raised by grandparents compared to a matched group. Teachers rated children raised by grandparents as exhibiting significantly higher levels of a specific pattern of behavioral problems than a comparison group. School professionals can help the children by identifying the strengths and needs of these families and by providing effective prevention services to advance positive school and life outcomes. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC