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
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
Communication Styles
as learning skills to enhance
grandmothers’ ability to obtain help
Passive
Assertive
Aggressive
• Avoidance
• Submissive
• Cooperative
• Collaborative
• Confrontational
• Reactive
Boundaries are
violated by others
Boundaries are
mutually respected
Disrespect for others’
boundaries
“You win, and I
lose.”
“We both win!”
“I win- you lose.”
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
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.
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
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
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 10
Goal Setting and Attainment Procedure
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.
Did you
accomplish your
goal?
How satisfied are
you with your
effort?
•
•
•
•
•
GOAL #1
GOAL #2
GOAL #3
Briefly restate the goal
Briefly restate the goal
Briefly restate the 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.
(1) Not at all
4
(1) Not at all
9
(1) Not at all
(2) Not very well
1
(2) Not very well
0
(2) Not very well
3
(3) Somewhat
1
(3) Somewhat
2
(3) Somewhat
1
(4) Mostly
1
(4) Mostly
1
(4) Mostly
1
(5) Completely
8
(5) Completely
4
(5) Completely
3
11
(1) Not at all satisfied
2
(1) Not at all satisfied
6
(1) Not at all satisfied
0
(2) Not very satisfied
1
(2) Not very satisfied
1
(2) Not very satisfied
1
(3) Somewhat satisfied
4
(3) Somewhat satisfied
3
(3) Somewhat satisfied
8
(4) Quite satisfied
0
(4) Quite satisfied
2
(4) Quite satisfied
7
(5) Very satisfied
9
(5) Very satisfied
4
(5) Very satisfied
0
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
7
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.
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
7
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.
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.