1. Marshalling Social Support for Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren
Symposium
Paper Presentation
Communication Styles and Goal Setting Strategies
Katie Kutcher
Gerontology Program
Southern Gerontological Association Meetings
Friday April 7, 2017
Asheville, NC

2. Marshalling Social Support for Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren
4 Session Intervention
Session 1: Stress, Social Support and Goal Setting
Session 2: Assertive Communication and Goal Attainment
Session 3: Assertive Communication and Support
Session 4: Planning for the Future

3. Communication Styles as learning skills to enhance grandmothers’ ability to obtain help
Passive
Assertive
Aggressive
Avoidance
Submissive
Boundaries are violated by others
“You win, and I lose.”
Cooperative
Collaborative
Boundaries are mutually respected
“We both win!”
Confrontational
Reactive
Disrespect for others’ boundaries
“I win- you lose.”

4. Communication Styles The intervention explores communication styles:
Identifies and describes three different communication styles
Provides examples and role plays of different communication styles in action
The grandmothers self-identify their perceived main communication style
Communication style homework
Grandmother’s Rights
Techniques for effective communication

5. Scenario
Barbara takes care of her grandson, Michael who is 11 years old. Barbara has arranged for Michael’s 19 year of brother, Daniel, to watch Michael while she attends a weekly one hour exercise class. An hour before Barbara is scheduled to attend her class, Daniel calls to say that he has changed his mind and doesn’t want to take care of Michael after all.

6. Communication Styles
Grandmothers were asked to identify their main communication style with the following:
Teachers & Health Professionals
Family Members & Friends
Grandchild’s behaviors and needs

7. Goal Setting and Goal Attainment as Strategies to empower grandmothers
Goal Setting occurs at all
4 sessions.
Grandmothers identify 1 to 3 goals they wish to achieve
Grandmothers provide a confidence rating
Grandmothers report back on goal attainment at following session

8. Goal Setting and Goal Attainment as Strategies to empower grandmothers
How many goals did you state for yourself? (Session 1)
One 1
Two 9
Three 6
Which goal is the most important for you to accomplish? (Session 1)
Goal #1 10
Goal #2 5
Goal #3 1
How likely you will be able to accomplish this goal #1? (Session 1)
Somewhat likely 6
Almost certain

9. Goal Setting and Attainment Procedure
GOAL #1
GOAL #2
GOAL #3
Briefly restate the goal
I have a copy of the goals you set for yourself during the last session we met. Let us review what they were and then discuss whether you accomplished each goal and also whether you are satisfied with your effort at accomplishing each goal.
Get organized with kids and have time to myself
Exercise, swimming, walk at least one day per week
Meet with family & friends for something fun together
Attend school board meeting for advocacy
Start a mentoring project to help teachers out.
Did you accomplish your goal?
  (1) Not at all
(2) Not very well
(3) Somewhat
(4) Mostly
(5) Completely
  (1) Not at all
(2) Not very well
(3) Somewhat
(5) Completely
  (1) Not at all
(2) Not very well
(5) Completely
How satisfied are you with your effort?
  (1) Not at all satisfied
(2) Not very satisfied
(3) Somewhat satisfied
(4) Quite satisfied
(5) Very satisfied
  (1) Not at all satisfied
(3) Somewhat satisfied
(4) Quite satisfied
(5) Very satisfied
  (1) Not at all satisfied
(3) Somewhat satisfied
(4) Quite satisfied
(5) Very satisfied

10. Goal Setting and Social Support
How Helpful was the Goal Setting Process in helping you to better
plan increase your social support during the last week?
Not at All Helpful 0
Somewhat Helpful 1
Quite Helpful 8
Extremely Helpful
Do you have any comments about the Goal Setting Process?
Keeping goals in mind helps me to get help, learning to do for myself.
It gives me something to look forward, it holds me accountable.
It is helping me do goal setting in other areas.
It's good to set goals and complete them. If you don't accomplish, that's no good.
You have to set goals so you can figure out how to achieve them.
I am happy making steps towards goals.

11. Goal Setting and Social Support
How Helpful was the Goal Setting Process in helping you to better
plan increase your social support during the last week?
Not at All Helpful 0
Somewhat Helpful 1
Quite Helpful 8
Extremely Helpful
Do you have any comments about the Goal Setting Process?
Keeping goals in mind helps me to get help, learning to do for myself.
It gives me something to look forward, it holds me accountable.
It is helping me do goal setting in other areas.
It's good to set goals and complete them. If you don't accomplish, that's no good.
You have to set goals so you can figure out how to achieve them.
I am happy making steps towards goals.

12. Goal Setting and Social Support
Why is so important for you to accomplish that goal?
I'll feel less tension, less stress
We had some misunderstanding this week and want to clear the air out.
I want to see my good friend for a while
To have some me time
I feel better after exercising
I value family unity and want to see a supportive friend
To be a better citizen of the community and advocate for children.
Good for my health.
Gives you a chance to take time for me. Me time.
Need to make new friends in order to not feel so isolated.
Greater impact on community.