Grandparent-adult grandchild affection and consensus - Cross-generational and cross-ethnic comparisons

Euro-American grandparents' ratings of affection for, and consensus with, t heir adult grandchildren have been found to be significantly greater than t he grandchildren's ratings-a phenomenon known as the "intergenerational sta ke phenomenon." However, it is unclear whether this cross-generational diff erence in affection and perceived consensus exists for all gender dyads and for more collectivistic ethnic groups. This study compared levels of affec tion and consensus for Euro-American and Mexican American grandparents and their adult grandchildren. Results revealed that Euro-American grandmothers and grandfathers have significantly greater affection for their granddaugh ters than their granddaughters have for them; however this gap was not foun d for grandsons. Among Mexican Americans, grandsons have significantly grea ter affection for their grandfathers than their grandfathers have for them. Analyses of covariance revealed that when grandchildren of either ethnic g roup perceived themselves to be similar in attitudes and values to their gr andparents, the gap between level of affection was significantly smaller.