| To understand the level of grandparental dependence among children in families where grandparents participate in childcare and its formation mechanism, a convenient cluster sampling method was employed. A questionnaire was used to survey 355 children on their grandparental dependence, self-concept, and grandparenting styles, exploring the relationship between grandparenting styles and children"s grandparental dependence, as well as the mediating role of self-concept. The results indicate: (1) Overall, the level of grandparental dependence among children is relatively low, with the deepest dependence on grandparents" behaviors; boys show significantly higher levels of grandparental dependence and behavioral dependence compared to girls; and children in the middle class exhibit significantly higher levels of grandparental dependence than those in the senior class. (2) Children"s grandparental dependence is significantly positively correlated with grandparental indulgence, permissiveness, authoritarianism, and inconsistency in parenting styles, and significantly negatively correlated with democratic parenting styles; children"s grandparental dependence is significantly negatively correlated with self-concept; children"s self-concept is significantly negatively correlated with grandparental indulgence, permissiveness, authoritarianism, and positively correlated with democratic parenting styles. (3) Children"s self-concept plays a mediating role between grandparental democratic, indulgent, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles and grandparental dependence, indicating that grandparenting styles can influence children"s self-concept and subsequently impact grandparental dependence. Therefore, to improve or prevent children"s grandparental dependence, it is essential not only to enhance grandparenting styles but also to focus on promoting the healthy development of children"s self-concept. |
