A two-part dissertation: Part I. Grandparents as primary caregivers for their grandchildren: An attitudinal and demographic survey. Part II. Group therapy with grandparents serving as primary caregivers for their grandchildren

The intent of this dissertation was to illuminate further the population of grandparents who serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Part I involved a survey administered to 34 individual grandparents in the Southern California area who have one or more grandchildren living with them and under their care. Survey findings were discussed in terms of recent studies on this topic as well as in terms of literature in the related areas of lifespan development and family roles and functions.; Most of the surveyed grandparents were found to be married, white females who had some college education. Most were working grandparents between 50 and 60 years of age who lived above the poverty level and owned their own homes. Nearly all were in support groups. Most grandparents reported an initial resistance to caring for their grandchildren full-time, but a current willingness to continue caring for their grandchildren and pleasure in doing so, despite a primarily negative impact on their personal time and freedom, on their marriages and on their social lives. A majority of their grandchildren had emotional, educational and/or physical problems which required treatment. Grandparents in support groups felt the groups were helpful to them. The primary reason for the absence of the parent(s) was drug and/or alcohol abuse.; Part II reviewed theory and research related to group psychotherapy and explored the implications of group psychotherapy with the target population. A clinical work sample is included and consists of a description of a psychotherapy support group, with names and demographic information disguised to protect anonymity and confidentiality of the group members.