The present research aimed to discover the types of support offered by the grandparents to grandchildren, before and after the parents' separation/divorce, as well as the possible changes in the forms of support. Two types of support were analyzed: the emotional and the instrumental, considering the influence of the following variables: geographical distance, custody, maternal or paternal link, age, marital status and grandparents' job situation. The subjects were 30 grandparents who didn't live with their grandchildren, before or after the parent's separation/divorce, were selected. The instrument used was a questionnaire with items which met the objectives of the research. The social demographic factors were also considered. Results indicated a preference for activities of the emotional type, with a general increase, after the separation/divorce, in activities such as: giving advice, transmitting information concerning the family, and telephoning. There was a decrease in the visiting activities.
Grandparents-grandchildren; intergerational relationship; divorce/separation
