AbstractsPsychology

The aim of the thesis was to examine challenges and its coping strategies that are experienced by grandparents in caring for their grandchildren. Specifically, it aimed to answer three research questions: what are the factors that determine grandparents to become parents for the second time? What are the challenges faced by grandparents in raising grandchildren? What coping strategies are employed by grandparents to reduce challenges of Grandparenting? The study participated 21 grandparents who were raising their grandchildren in Ambo. The study employed qualitative methods and snowball sampling design. The findings of the study revealed that there are several challenges that encounter grandparents in raising grandchildren. More specifically, grandparents are found to experience social, economic, psycho-emotional challenges. It is obvious that such challenges made various obstructions for grandparents during the process of raising their grandchildren. Findings from this study further indicated that even though grandparents are old enough and have health problems they have attempted to apply different mechanisms to cope their financial hardship to overcome the costy living condition so as to raise their grandchildren. Policies and programmes that assist and enhance their service should be put in place in the country Advisors/Committee Members: Commander Demelash Kasaye (PhD) (advisor).