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Is parents' education level associated with adolescent self-compassion?
Karen Bluth1, Jinyoung Park2, Christine Lathren2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.
Explore (New York, N.Y.)
|April 5, 2020
Summary
Adolescent self-compassion is linked to fathers' education level. Those with fathers holding a college degree reported the highest self-compassion, suggesting a potential pathway for mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Mental Health
Background:
- Self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Factors influencing adolescent self-compassion, particularly parental influences, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between parental education levels and self-compassion in adolescents.
- To identify specific parental factors that may foster self-compassion during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 1057 adolescents (grades 7-12).
- Data collected on parental education levels and adolescent self-compassion.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations between variables.
Main Results:
- Fathers' education level, not mothers', showed a significant association with adolescent self-compassion.
- Adolescents with fathers holding a college degree reported the highest self-compassion.
- Lower self-compassion levels were observed in adolescents whose fathers had less than a college education or advanced degrees (Masters, Doctorate/Professional).
Conclusions:
- Fathers' college education is uniquely associated with higher adolescent self-compassion.
- Parental education may serve as a proxy for socioeconomic status, parenting style, or relationship quality.
- Future research should examine these mediating factors to understand their specific impact on adolescent self-compassion.
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