Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jessica L. Hart

Abstract

In the United States there has been an increase of grandmothers caring for their grandchildren in the absence of their parents. Researchers have found that grandmothers are in a constant struggle with grandchildren exhibiting antisocial behavior. The gap in research does not address this issue. The present study explored the lived experiences of grandmothers in hopes of learning more about their past experiences, seeking to make a connection between generational parenting practices and poor coping skills. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, 11 grandmothers participated who were the sole provider for their grandchildren exhibiting delinquent behavior. The results yielded varying themes to include abuse, abandonment, neglect, and trauma across 3 stages of the grandmothers’ life to include childhood, parenthood, and as a grandmother. Using the lens of social learning as it applied to criminal behavior, and when compared to the current literature, several untreated issues and trauma were identified, which would aid social services in developing specific interventions and treatment for not only the grandmothers but for the family as a unit. A focused treatment through social services and interventions will help promote positive social change starting with the grandmother to end the cycle of trauma and repeat patterns of criminal behavior. Additionally, the findings of this study provided a foundation for future researchers in a more focused qualitative study as well as a broader study to affirm the depth of this phenomenon. This population would benefit from approachable programs linked with resources.

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