<p> African American grandmothers raising grandchildren is a rapidly increasing phenomenon that merits further exploration. This phenomenological research study examined the lived experiences of 10 single, low-income, African American grandmothers raising grandchildren. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the personal experiences of this population from the perspective of the grandmothers. The results from this study provide professional working with this population additional insight into the challenges and needs African American grandmother caregivers encounter. Through the use of semi-structured, open-ended conversational interviews, data was gathered to provided in-depth information about the complexities and distinctive needs of this family unit. Using a step-by-step phenomenological data analysis process, five themes emerged: Loss of Personal Self, Main Supporter: Church, Cognitive Dissonance, Second Chance Feelings, and Psychosocial Stressors. The findings from this study provide additional knowledge for mental health professionals, public policy makers and academicians working with this population to help decrease service barriers.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3589435 |
| Date | 19 September 2013 |
| Creators | Burdine, Kamaria M. |
| Publisher | Capella University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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