SINGAPORE — In line with the National Family Council’s aim to build more resilient families, a new study has been commissioned to explore issues pertaining to three-generational (3G) families in Singapore.

The study, which will be spearheaded by Associate Professor Paulin Straughan of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Dr Matthew Matthews of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), aims to clarify the gaps between ideals and realities, identify key challenges and risk factors, as well as determine strengths and protective factors for these families.

“The family is complex, is evolving by the day and there are external influences affecting it … we hope to obtain a better understanding of 3G families in Singapore,” said council Chairman Lim Soon Hock.

Such 3G families include “young couples with toddlers and grandparents, middle-aged couples with teenagers and grandparents and empty-nesters with older grandparents”. The council plans to use the findings to propose early intervention strategies for building more resilient families.

“It can help us strengthen the institution of marriage, the foundation of our teenagers and ... help us meet the needs of young parents. It can also help promote the family as a leadership value,” Mr Lim said.

The study will comprise self-administered questionnaires and in-depth focus group discussions. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The council is aiming for a random sample of at least 2,000 people and 60 respondents for the focus group.

The study was announced at the opening event of the month-long National Family Celebrations yesterday, which was attended by Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.