Psychological involvement in parenthood among Ukrainians

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• The role of parenthood is a significant aspect of adult life, influencing individual well-being and societal structures.
• Understanding the psychological factors that contribute to effective and fulfilling parenthood is crucial for both individual development and family functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the variables that influence the degree of psychological engagement in the role of parenthood among Ukrainian parents.
• To test the applicability of the triangle model of responsibility in predicting parental psychological engagement and expectations.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 100 parents in Ukraine participated in the study.
• Participants completed questionnaires assessing their beliefs and expectations regarding parenthood.

Main Results:

• Task clarity, personal obligation, and personal control significantly predicted psychological engagement in parenthood.
• Task clarity and personal obligation, but not personal control, predicted parents' expectations for their children's future.
• The predictive power of personal control on future expectations may have been attenuated by the prevailing economic and political instability in Ukraine.

Conclusions:

• The triangle model of responsibility provides a useful framework for understanding parental psychological engagement.
• Parental beliefs and perceptions regarding task clarity and personal obligation are key determinants of both engagement and future expectations.
• Socioeconomic and political contexts can significantly moderate the relationship between personal control and parental expectations.