Research project: Mobile communication technology between grandparents and grandchildren separated by distance

Discussion Topics:

My name is Angeline Mayasari and I'm from Swinburne University of Technology, under Faculty of Health Art and Design (FHAD).
Ethic approval number is: SHR Project 2015/155
My supervisors are Dr Sonja Pedell & Dr Carolyn Barnes

The title of my research is: Mobile communication technology between grandparents and grandchildren separated by distance: mediating emotions and building a meaningful relationship

The separation of families across geographic distance decreases opportunities for face-to-face contact and communication, making it difficult for grandparents and grandchildren to maintain their relationship. This study investigates how digital communication tools might support relationship building between grandparents and teenage grandchildren, especially through the sharing of experiences and emotions.

The research focuses on older people living independently who seek to maintain relationships with their grandchildren who live at a distance from them. Do you have grandchildren aged 10 to 19 years, either in Australia or overseas? How do you communicate with them? This study investigates ways to express experiences and feelings at a distance. Would you be interested to share your experiences when communicating with your teenage grandchildren? Register your interest and find out how you could be involved with further research by sending email to amayasari@swin.edu.au or phone 0425455700.