Support Gaps in the Grandparent–Grandchild Relationship: Effects of Deficits and Surpluses on Grandchildren’s Loneliness

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study applied the support gaps concept, or discrepancies between the amount of support desired and received, to the grandparent – grandchild relationship by examining grandchildren’s perceptions of support gaps from a grandparent and how gaps are associated with loneliness. Young adult grandchildren (N = 300) completed an online survey. Grandchildren experienced support surpluses from grandparents, such that they received more emotional, esteem, network, informational, and tangible support than desired. Deficits in tangible and network support were associated with greater loneliness. Implications for the support gaps framework and research on grandparent – grandchild relationships are discussed.