Avraham Scherman

GRANDPARENTS’ ADJUSTMENT TO GRANDCHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Thirty‐two grandparents of children with special needs were interviewed regarding their knowledge of their grandchilds disability and the impact and emotional consequences this has had on their lives and the lives of their immediate family. Results indicated that only a small number of grandparents knew in advance about their grandchilds disability. Initially, most grandparents experienced feelings of grief. Soon after, a large number of them became involved in providing emotional and financial support for their children and grandchildren. The grandparents expressed fears and concerns regarding their grandchilds future ability to live independently and the ability of their grandchilds parents to sustain the stress associated with the disability. Only a small number of grandparents reported seeking help by accessing support groups, counseling, or forums to discuss and share information concerning their grandchilds disability. Most of their support came from their spouses and immediate family. Educatio...

Didactic and experiential death and dying training : impact upon death anxiety

Abstract This study examined the effects of primarily didactic and primarily experiential death and dying training upon conscious and unconscious death anxiety of 74 female practical nursing students. No differential effects were found. However, post-test scores on the Templer Death Anxiety Scale were significantly lower than the pretest scores for both groups. This reduction was maintained at 8-week follow-up. The discussion addresses practical implications of the study, as well as implications for future research.

GRANDPARENTS AND CHILDREN OF DIVORCE: THEIR CONTRASTING PERCEPTIONS AND DESIRES FOR THE POSTDIVORCE RELATIONSHIP

Seventy‐seven children of divorce and their selected grandparents completed questionnaires that included a demographic section, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale‐II (FACES II; Olson, Bell, & Portner, 1982) to assess their relationships, and an instrument designed to identify shared activities and desires in these areas. Partners had similar present and future perceptions of relationship and activity factors. All participants desired future increases in both areas. Grandchildren and grandparents connected emotional bonding with grandparents’ listening, keeping them safe, and gift giving; grandparents also thought a good relationship with the custodial parent was important. Most healthy and least healthy subgroups were identified. Membership in the healthiest group was related to geographic proximity, feminine gender for both partners, and being married and employed full‐time for grandparents. Grandparents who were related by blood to custodial parents, had a good relationship with them,...

Panamanian Grandmothers' Family Relationships and Adjustment to Having a Grandchild with a Disability

The purpose of this article was to explore the family relationships and role adjustment of grandmothers in the Republic of Panama who have a grandchild with special needs. Thirty Panamanian grandmothers of children with a disability were interviewed using a standardized format and non-directive probing. Categories of analysis were established only after the data was fully collected and reviewed. The results indicate that for most Panamanian grandmothers, their changes in family relationships are not dramatic when they have a grandchild with a disability; however, 25% clearly report a deteriorated relationship with their son-in-laws. They view their relationship with their grandchild with a disability to be one that provides a mixture of affection, love, acceptance and patience. In the area of role adjustment, they see a need to become more involved in areas that include assisting their grandchildren and/or her family with caregiving and household responsibilities, economic and medical support, or in areas related to school/academic, spiritual or recreational activities. With respect to emotional adjustment, Panamanian grandmothers of children with disabilities distinguish themselves from grandmothers in the United States, by experiencing reduced emotional stress and dwelling less on personal loss, grief, or role stigma. The implications are that there appear to be universal beliefs and adjustment factors that Panamanian grandmothers of grandchildren with disabilities experience. However, culture appears to have a genuine influence that results in subtle but unique differences from their U.S. counterparts.

THE ROLE OF PANAMANIAN GRANDMOTHERS IN FAMILY SYSTEMS THAT INCLUDE GRANDCHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

With the increased emphasis on identifying support sources when crises occur in the family, grandparents are emerging as having the potential to fulfill this role. In the United States, the literature indicates that grandparents are willing to assume an increased role with regard to fostering health, emotional well‐being, and developmental needs of their grandchildren. In Panama, grandmothers are living in closer proximity to their families and are more accessible to their grandchild. Does this result in changes in grandmothers’ involvement when there is a child with disability? To investigate this question, we interviewed 30 grandmothers of grandchildren with disabilities, and their roles were explored. Results indicated that Panamanian grandmothers were involved in many aspects of care, were not initially informed about the grandchilds condition, expressed sorrow and concerns for the future of their grandchild, and they reported love and affection as the most effective way of reaching the child. On the...

The other side of the mountain

Abstract This paper presents an argumentive proposal of primary prevention as an alternative mode of psychological intervention. Some of the negative aspects of traditional child psychotherapy are discussed. Following the theoretical presentation of primary prevention, an applied, community‐based program is presented to serve as a model for implementing prevention. To date, the validating research in primary prevention is sparse, however, this article provides specific recommendations for further research.