Rachel Dunifon

Dean and Professor, College of Human Ecology Link

Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Studies

CAPS Biography:

My research examines the role of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren. This line of research is closely aligned with the CAPS signature themes of health and well-being, as well as family and intergenerational supports, and the cross-cutting theme of policy. Through my research, I have sought to understand the extent and nature of grandparental involvement in their grandchildren’s lives, and how such involvement is linked to the well-being of parents, grandparents and grandchildren. I have collaborated with CAPS affiliate Merrill Silverstein (Syracuse University) on a project examining religiosity among custodial grandparents. Additionally, I have a collaboration with CAPS Co-Investigator Kelly Musick examining how the time that grandparents spend with their grandchildren is associated both with grandparental and parental well-being.