Environment and Social Psychology

Custodial grandparents and modern education dilemma: Insights from qualitative research

Lina Yu

Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia , School of Social Development, Shandong Women’s University, Jinan 250300, Shandong, People’s Republic of China

Nur Saadah Mohamad Aun

Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia, Social Work Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

Nor Jana Saim

Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia, Social Work Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

Norulhuda Sarnon @Kusenin

Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia, Social Work Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i6.3816

Keywords: modern parenting; custodial grandparents; technological barrier; emotional connection; China

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Abstract

Custodial grandparents experience a lot of pressures and challenges when they are raising their grandchildren. However, little is known about the educational dilemmas they face because of the rapid advancement of modern technology. This study investigates the modern educational challenges of custodial grandparents in rural China. Data were gathered using a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews and field notes. Thematic saturation was achieved after 15 participants. The results showed that the technological weakness and social isolation challenges greatly impact custodial grandparents’ parenting roles and psychological health. These findings provided valuable insights for policymakers and social service providers to develop targeted support for rural custodial grandparents in China. The study emphasizes the importance of improving custodial grandparents’ technological capacities and adapting to modern parenting styles.

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