Researchers in search of grandparents for study
Primary researcher Jessica Bertapelle is the product of a grandfamily. She was raised by her grandmother from 15 years old. Her story was featured in the October edition of "Active Aging," and on "The Brett and Sierra Show," last spring. This month she presented some preliminary findings at the Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C.
"As someone who grew up in a grandfamily, I know these families have amazing strengths and also face unique challenges," Bertapelle said. "It is my hope that this research will help uncover information about how grandfamilies communicate and ultimately lead to better communication dynamics and more effective intervention strategies. More needs to be done to understand how members of grandfamilies relate to one another, and this is one small step in that direction."
Bertapelle and Jennifer Tiernan are conducting the study, and are willing to conduct interviews in-person or via phone, depending on each participant's location and preference.
If you are interested in participating in the study, know someone who is in a grandfamily and may like to participate or have questions/comments, contact Jessica Bertapelle via email at jessica.bertapelle@wichita.edu or call 978-6129.