Maintaining Harmony of Life in Skipped-Generation Households of the Older Adults

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of Thai grandparents who were raising their grandchildren in the absence of their parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 grandparents representing 11 families. Data analysis identified the emerging themes of maintaining harmony of life, including perspective of life, positive frame of mind, courage and hope, intrinsic motivation, and perception toward the new role. The results of this study can contribute to enhancing the harmony of life for grandparents raising their grandchildren in skipped-generation households.

A phenomenological study on older persons as a breadwinner of A skipped-generation family: day by day coping journey in Thai context

“…They hope to see their great-grandchildren grow up. Having hope will lead to happiness and success, and drive great-grandmothers to make everything better for their family (Komjakraphan & Chansawang, 2015 ). Although some great-grandmothers experience certain underlying diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and blindness, they still remain responsibility of raising their grandchildren.…”

“…They also lack support from their children, and their level of stress is relatively high (Ingersoll-Dayton et al, 2020 ). Some considered that it was destined to have ungrateful children who denied responsibility for supporting them, making them involved in debt (Komjakraphan & Chansawang, 2015 ). They coped with this problem by lowering their expectations on adult children and grandchildren.…”

“…In adverse events, they deliberately chose to be strong. From the positive psychology perspective, they knew their strength and used it in relationships to achieve a better life (Komjakraphan & Chansawang, 2015 ).…”

“…In Thailand, there are the prevailing religious belief systems and cultural ideals throughout stress filial respect and support for older persons as a moral obligation (Komjakraphan & Chansawang, 2015 ). Filial responsibility and filial piety seem to remain in older persons’ mind but rarely in younger persons.…”

Health-Related Problems and Drivers of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…Grandparenting could benefit intergeneration family relationship. According to the study, 46 they found that Buddhist teachings play an important role in the way of older adults and their family reacting to their conflicts. Our study emphasizes this phenomenon.…”