Intergenerational connections enhance the personal/social development of young children
Tóm tắt
In the last four decades changes have occurred that have resulted in the virtual disappearance of the extended family, and dramatic decrease in the amount of significant interactions between generations. America has become more mobile, widening the geographic and emotional separation between children and senior adults, creating a societal “health” problem — disconnectedness. Traditional familial tasks (caring for the children and elderly) are now delegated to institutions outside the home; childcare centers and nursing homes. Experts suggest that a general nucleus of social problems including violence, family dysfunction, alcohol/drug abuse, boredom, and lack of engagement may well be linked to the quality of existing care and the amount of time spent in these environments. This suggests a need to use whatever potential there is to enhance the development of our nation’s children. Could intergenerational programming be the answer? Intergenerational programs unite people of different age groups in on-going, beneficial experiences that foster the development of relationships, while enhancing the quality of life for those involved. In this nation, intergenerational programs have existed since the 1960’s, but have recently emerged as an answer to a plethora of social problems. While a review of the shifting demographic data foretells of the impending societal care crisis for young children and senior adults, the amount and variety of intergenerational research has been limited. Reflecting on the number of young children and senior adults who are now, or those who could potentially be involved in intergenerational programs and the lack of empirical research, there is a gap in the body of knowledge related to this emerging field. This cause and effect research study examined the personal/social development of preschool children. Comparative group analysis revealed that children in intergenerational group care settings have significantly higher personal/social developmental scores than children in non-intergenerational settings.
Tài liệu tham khảo
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