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Intergenerational Coparenting and Children's Social-Emotional Development in China


Research Team

Name

Principal Investigator: Weiman Xu

Co-Principal Investigators: Gilbert Parra

Funding Information

Funding Agency: Buffett Early Childhood Institute

Award Date: Aug 1, 2024

End Date: Jul 30, 2025

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the association between intergenerational coparenting and child social-emotional development, as well as the moderating role of intergenerational relationship quality in this association. The study will also examine whether the association would work differently with different intergenerational coparenting dyads (e.g., concordant vs. discordant maternal/paternal grandparent-parental caregiver dyads). 

Participants will include approximately 700 Chinese families with typically developing children, ages 3-6 and grandparental involvement in childrearing. For each family, both parents and the primary grandparent will participate in the study.

This study is designed to answer four specific questions:

  • Is parent-grandparenting co-parenting associated with child social-emotional development?
  • Is parent-grandparent relationship quality associated with child social-emotional development?
  • Does parent-grandparent relationship quality moderate the association between parent-grandparent coparenting and child social-emotional development?
  • Are these associations different across different parent-grandparent co-parenting dyads?

Findings will contribute to the expanding body of literature on intergenerational co-parenting and its impact on children's social well-being. By collecting data from both generations, this study will help to better understand the intergenerational family dynamics from multiple perspectives. 

The findings will also offer valuable insights for parents, grandparents and other caregivers, providing strategies for enhanced cooperation in childrearing practices, and ultimately, benefit both child development and family well-being.


Rural Schools and Communities, Social, Emotional and Behavioral Well-being