Using pictorial language to mediate emotions and support meaningful relationships between grandparents and adolescent grandchildren separated by distance

This thesis explores the use of designed communication tools and mobile communication technology to add value to communication and to promote meaningful relationships between grandparents and grandchildren during the challenging stage of adolescence. There are three studies, each offering insights into common emotions and experiences that grandparents and adolescent grandchildren encounter in maintaining connectedness using communication tools. This thesis also provides characteristics of successful communication and conditions in allowing the key characteristics of successful communication to be fulfilled using mobile communication technology. Considering these characteristics and conditions when designing communication tools can contribute positively to the maintenance of meaningful relationship.