Divorce and grandparent–grandchild contact — Drew & Smith
Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2026 5:48 pm
The Impact of Parental Separation/Divorce on Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships
Linda A. Drew & Peter K. Smith — The International Journal of Aging and Human Development — 1999
This UK study examined how parental separation or divorce can affect relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.
Eighty-six members of Britain’s Grandparents’ Federation completed questionnaires, with a smaller group also taking part in interviews. The researchers found significant reductions in contact and emotional involvement with grandchildren following parental divorce, and many grandparents reported emotional or physical health problems associated with the loss of contact.
Why we’ve included it:
For some estranged parents, loss of contact with grandchildren follows or develops alongside divorce, separation or conflict involving their adult child. Although this study is older, it is UK-based and provides useful evidence about the wider impact that family breakdown can have across generations.
View the abstract and publication details at PubMed
View the published article
Reference: Drew, L. A. & Smith, P. K. (1999). The Impact of Parental Separation/Divorce on Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 48(3), 191–216.
Inclusion in our library means we believe this item is relevant to understanding parent–adult child estrangement and its consequences. It does not mean Estranged Parents endorses every interpretation or conclusion expressed.
Linda A. Drew & Peter K. Smith — The International Journal of Aging and Human Development — 1999
This UK study examined how parental separation or divorce can affect relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.
Eighty-six members of Britain’s Grandparents’ Federation completed questionnaires, with a smaller group also taking part in interviews. The researchers found significant reductions in contact and emotional involvement with grandchildren following parental divorce, and many grandparents reported emotional or physical health problems associated with the loss of contact.
Why we’ve included it:
For some estranged parents, loss of contact with grandchildren follows or develops alongside divorce, separation or conflict involving their adult child. Although this study is older, it is UK-based and provides useful evidence about the wider impact that family breakdown can have across generations.
View the abstract and publication details at PubMed
View the published article
Reference: Drew, L. A. & Smith, P. K. (1999). The Impact of Parental Separation/Divorce on Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 48(3), 191–216.
Inclusion in our library means we believe this item is relevant to understanding parent–adult child estrangement and its consequences. It does not mean Estranged Parents endorses every interpretation or conclusion expressed.