A Mixed Methods Pilot Study on Exploring the Role of Family Wellness and Paternal Involvement in Urban Communities
Pascale Jean Simon
Co-Presenters: Kelly Moehlman-Bene, Miguel Saldana
College: The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: Counseling and Supervision (Ph.D)
Faculty Research Mentor: Jennifer Vinces-Cua
Abstract:
Parents are widely viewed as critical to the wellbeing and development of their children. A number of social determinants can impact parental wellness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2012), social determinants include “(a) the social environment including discrimination, income, and gender; (b) the physical environment including where persons live; (c) health services including access to quality care and health insurance; and (d) structural and societal factors”. These social determinants can interface with a family’s level of wellness, which can be exacerbated for families residing in an urban community (Doornbos et al., 2013). Surveys provide an avenue for families to describe their challenges and experiences. However, in relation to school aged children, the maternal viewpoint is heard more often. Nonetheless, paternal involvement in children’s lives is associated with a variety of child and family outcomes (Allport et al., 2017). The level of paternal involvement is mainly unknown in urban communities in New Jersey. It leaves a gap in understanding the paternal experience and how to better engage fathers/ paternal figures in their child’s development and participation in community programs. The purpose of this study is to (a) determine if parental wellness is associated with their experience of involvement with their child’s school and programs, (b) examine if family wellness is associated with urban community experience, (c) determine to what extent the mother/ father/ maternal figure/ paternal figure plays a mediating role in this relationship, and (d) determine if there are any differences between families that engage in urban community services or do not engage in urban community services. Quantitative data through a parent survey of 180-200 participants will be used to examine the relationship between family wellness and parental school and community experience. Qualitative data through focus group participation of a group with 8-10 participants, will be gathered to further understand the parental role within the family structure and the urban community experience. The scope has been narrowed to focus specifically on an urban community in New Jersey.