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Research from University of Turku Highlights Role of Maternal Grandmothers in Mitigating Adversities in Grandchildren’s Lives
A recent study conducted at the University of Turku in Finland sheds light on the significant impact maternal grandmothers’ investment can have on the well-being of grandchildren who have encountered adversities in life. Led by Senior Researcher Samuli Helle, the study reveals that such investment, whether through childcare or financial assistance, can yield lasting positive effects well into adulthood.
The research, based on data gathered from a survey responded to by 1,197 English and Welsh adolescents aged 11-16 years, underscores the critical role played by maternal grandmothers in mitigating emotional and behavioral issues in children stemming from adverse childhood experiences. These experiences encompass a range of challenges, such as the loss of a loved one or familial struggles with alcoholism.
According to Helle, “The effects of adversities during the sensitive periods of development in childhood can last long into adulthood. They can manifest in adulthood, for example, in a higher risk of premature death and a lower likelihood of having children.” This highlights the profound and enduring impact of early-life experiences on an individual’s long-term well-being.
The study’s findings challenge previous assumptions and reveal that support from maternal grandmothers uniquely contributes to the resilience and overall well-being of grandchildren. While other forms of support, including that from other grandparents, were not found to have equivalent effects, the investment by maternal grandmothers emerged as a significant factor in promoting positive outcomes for grandchildren facing adversities.
Drawing from evolutionary biology, the study posits that grandparental investment has evolved through natural selection to enhance the survival prospects of offspring in challenging environments. However, despite the theoretical underpinnings, empirical research on the extent of the positive impact of grandparental investment has been limited, yielding mixed results.
This research from the University of Turku not only advances our understanding of the dynamics of grandparental investment but also underscores the crucial role that maternal grandmothers play in buffering the effects of adversities and nurturing the well-being of their grandchildren. As societies continue to grapple with various social challenges, recognizing and supporting the intergenerational bonds that contribute to resilience and flourishing becomes increasingly imperative.
