ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at how spousal characteristics, perceptions of marital satisfaction, and sense of fairness play out among older couples. It examines how the management of disabilities is closely linked to the sense of cohesion and division of labor negotiated by the partners over the years. Families come apart for a variety of reasons: death, divorce and sometimes just emotionally—despite the fact that the members may remain together. The book focuses on intervention strategies to improve grandparents’ ability to contribute to family well-being. It shows that adult grandchildren’s perceptions of the emotional connection between the two generations is positive, even as the younger group move into adulthood themselves. The book provides a sound empirical look at both the interaction between stepgrandparents and stepgrandchildren in reconstituted families.
