Introduction: Grandparents, key unpaid childcare providers, play a vital yet distinct role in family life, offering relaxed, enjoyable relationships with grandchildren. As primary caregivers, they face significant stress and health issues, particularly when dealing with children from troubled backgrounds. This article explores the coping strategies and stress levels of grandparents raising grandchildren, emphasizing the need for support and understanding of their crucial role.

Methodology: This systematic review analyzes 10 comprehensive articles using a variety of research methodologies, including non-experimental descriptive design, cross-sectional descriptive design, qualitative design (specifically in-depth interviews), literature review, descriptive and correlational studies, and explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The review includes English-language scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals, covering original research, systematic reviews, and governmental guidelines or protocols. From an initial 163 records identified through database searches, 145 remained after duplicates were removed. Of these, 133 records were screened, 12 were excluded, and 25 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 108 full-text articles were excluded for various reasons, leaving 10 articles included in the final review.

Results: The collective body of research reviewed provides a nuanced understanding of stress levels and coping strategies among grandparents raising grandchildren whose parents are employed. Studies highlight moderate to high stress levels, with demographic factors like age, gender, education, family structure, and caregiving duration influencing stress, particularly among female caregivers. Coping strategies include social support, problem-solving, religious or spiritual practices, and leisure activities. The importance of tailored interventions and support programs is emphasized, with religion and spirituality notably aiding rural caregivers. These findings advocate for holistic approaches to support grandparent caregivers, necessitating further research and targeted interventions to enhance their well-being and resilience.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for tailored interventions and support programs for stressed grandparent caregivers. Ongoing research and specific strategies are crucial to improving their well-being and resilience.