Effects of divorce on the grandparent-grandchild relationship

Although the detrimental effects of divorce on the immediate family have been studied extensively, few researchers have focused on how extended family members such as grandparents respond. This ex post facto study was a preliminary investigation of how 47 grandparents felt about their relationship with grandchildren whose parents had divorced. Chi-square analysis of study data revealed that these grandparents perceived a significant decline in the quality of their relationship with grandchildren. The quality of these grandparent-grandchild relationships was influenced by custodial arrangements but not geographic distance. Implications for pediatric nursing are discussed.