Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2410-7155

Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Communication Studies

Committee Chair

Lindsay Morris-Neuberger

Committee Member

Megan Gandy

Committee Member

Matthew Martin

Committee Member

Daniel Totzkay

Abstract

Storytelling is a primary form of communication between grandparents and grandchildren that has been shown to strengthen relational bonds and enhance grandchildren’s well-being. However, the specific narrative features and interactional processes involved in grandparent-grandchild storytelling remain underexplored, particularly regarding how they influence well-being and perceptions of generational differences. Guided by Communicated Narrative Sensemaking (CNSM) theory, this study examined the content (story framing) and process (interactional sensemaking behaviors) of grandparent-grandchild storytelling episodes as reported by young adult grandchildren (N = 110). Participants completed an online survey in which they recounted a storytelling episode with a grandparent and reported on individual well-being (self-esteem), relational well-being, and perceived age salience.

Results showed that ISM behaviors – including coherence, engagement, turn-taking, and communicated perspective-taking – were largely not predictive of grandchildren’s relational or individual well-being. Engagement emerged as the only significant predictor of relational well-being, and no ISM behaviors significantly predicted individual well-being. Neither participants’ emotional evaluations of stories nor coded assessments of narrative framing predicted individual or relational well-being. A multiple regression revealed that interactional sensemaking behaviors and story framing jointly predicted age salience, with ISM behaviors positively associated with grandchildren’s awareness of generational differences during storytelling. These findings suggest the while collaborative storytelling processes support relational closeness, they may also heighten awareness of generational distance. This study highlights the complex, dual role of storytelling in intergenerational relationships and offers implications for understanding and supporting communication between grandparents and grandchildren.

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