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Published on: September 19, 2019
Adolescents' and parents' future beliefs
Lars-Erik Malmberg1, Jonas Ehrman, Tom Lithén
1Department of Educational Studies, University of Oxford, 15, Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6PY, UK. lars-erik.malmberg@edstud.ox.ac.uk
Journal of Adolescence
|November 18, 2005
Summary
Adolescent and parent future beliefs about careers and family show distinct structures. Family interaction significantly influences how parents' probability estimations shape adolescents' future outlooks, aiding co-planning.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology of the Family
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Understanding future beliefs in adolescents is crucial for developmental and career planning.
- Parental influence on adolescent aspirations and life goals requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the structure and interrelation of adolescents' and parents' future beliefs.
- To investigate the mediating role of perceived family interaction in the relationship between parental and adolescent future beliefs.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was employed.
- Data collected from 239 adolescents (11-16 years) and 197 parents.
- Future beliefs assessed via goals and probability estimations for career, social, and family life.
Main Results:
- Goals showed similar structures but were unrelated, suggesting cultural transmission and autonomous adolescent goal-setting.
- Probability estimations differed in structure and were related, indicating varied opportunity perceptions.
- Family interaction mediated the link between parental probability estimations and adolescent future beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent and parent future belief systems exhibit both shared and distinct characteristics.
- Family dynamics play a key role in co-planning adolescents' futures.
- Findings highlight the interplay between cultural influences, individual autonomy, and family context in shaping future outlooks.
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