• 作者：L. Beudin ; ^{Laurence.beudin@hotmail.fr} ; B. Schneider ^{Benoit.schneider@univ-nancy2.fr}
• 关键词：Famille ; Grands-parents ; Petits-enfants ; Handicap
• 刊名：Neuropsychiatrie de l'enfance et de l'adolescence
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：303_02229617
• 类别：med
• 出版时间：May, 2012
• 卷：60
• 期：3
• 页码：183-189
• 文件大小：274 K

Aim

Even though sociological and demographic changes have led to an increased recognition of grandparents鈥?psychological roles and functions, their specific contribution in families where one of their grandchildren is disabled is still not well known. In the literature, their role is typically described in terms of instrumental and emotional support they may or may not provide to parents. But how do they live the situation themselves? How do they cope with the upheaval that arises from a grandchild's disability? How are family relationships affected by such an unexpected event?

Methods

We present two clinical cases based on research interviews conducted with parents and grandparents of two 10-year-old disabled children. Families we met were contacted through the special school attended by the children. Parents and grandparents were interviewed separately using semi-structured questionnaires. Our analysis here focuses on grandparents鈥?point of view.

Results

The grandparents that we met tend to step aside in front of the distress felt by the parents, trying this way to protect them. They say that they support each other and do not seek any specific help. But the analysis provides an understanding of how, on the basis of this adaptation, they can provide certain types of support to which they give a meaning according to their personal or couple story, or to a broader family background.

Conclusion

Grandparents鈥?specific contribution is still not well known but we better understand the benefits of the grandparents鈥?potential support on the family unit. By their attention and special place, they help parents reach a fully fulfilled parenting role and help constructing a welfare home. The yet recent uncovering of their functions and their roles in the specific context of disability should allow institutions that receive their grandchildren to better recognize their specificity.