Psychosocial experiences of coloured grandmothers who are the primary care givers of their grandchildren

Abstract

This study explored the psychosocial experiences of grandmothers who care for their grandchildren. A qualitative research design was used. Twelve grandmothers (age range = 50 to 65) from a peri-urban community in the Western Cape (South Africa) were selected as participants. Qualitative data were collected using the Mmogo-method® (Roos, 2008; 2012), a visual representation data gathering instrument and reflective group discussions. The data were thematically analyzed. The results showed that grandmothers experienced physical, emotional and financial challenges. Grandmothers coped through their strong belief that caring for their grandchildren was a spiritual calling and by drawing on the support from community and spiritual relations. The coping strategy of identifying with previous intergenerational groups is functional but not beneficial for the relationship between grandmothers and grandchildren and should be addressed in intergenerational interventions.