Study of Three-Generational African-American Families, 1984-1986

Special attention was given to the role of the grandmother in family life and to the nature of extended African-American families. Sixty-four African-American families residing in a southern university community were selected for participation in the study on the basis of family structure (e.g. single-parent or dual-parent families) and grandmother residence (e.g. grandmother living with the family or grandmother living in the local community).

Participants were interviewed in their homes by two African-American researchers. Grandparents, parents, and children were all interviewed. Measures included a structured interview designed for the purpose of the study, the Bronfenbrenner Parental Behavior Scale, Moos' Family Environment Scale, the Household Task List, and the Performance of Childcare Duties Form.