Intergenerational coparenting relationship patterns and grandparents' psychological well‐being: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

Abstract Objective From the grandparental perspective, this research aimed to identify intergenerational coparenting relationship patterns using multiple dimensions drawn from the dual lenses of solidarity and conflict and to examine associations with grandparents' psychological well‐being. Background Intergenerational coparenting has become prevalent in Chinese families. Existing studies have provided nuanced typologies in multigenerational caregiving in Western contexts. The patterns of intergenerational coparenting in China require further investigation. Method Latent class analysis was conducted using nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies, including 1,511 grandparents (mean age = 65.91 years) with grandchildren, comprising 777 males and 734 females. Results Four distinct relationship patterns were found: tight‐knit (50.89%), reciprocal (10.72%), unidirectional supportive but distant (18.2%), and reciprocal but distant (22.19%). Grandparents' health, education levels, and the gender of adult children were related to relationship patterns. Grandparents in a reciprocal relationship type reported the highest life satisfaction, whereas those with a unidirectional supportive but distant relationship type experienced the most severe depressive symptoms. Conclusion Intergenerational coparenting relationship patterns demonstrate characteristics of solidarity, with little evidence of conflict. Implications These findings provide a theoretical basis for building harmonious families among coparenting family members and implementing family policies in China. The regularity of grandparents' daily interactions with their adult children is a critical factor in enhancing their psychological well‐being.