Evaluation of Familial Factors, Academics, Online Activity, and Self- Efficacy
Francesca Higueros
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Liberal Arts
Major: Psychology
Faculty Research Mentor: Verneda Hamm-Baugh
Abstract:
Parental influence can affect a child’s academic career, social media, internet usage, and self-efficacy. For many decades the relationship between parental influence and a child’s achievement in academics has been investigated though there is minimal research investigating reciprocal relations between parental involvement and student achievement. Many studies are beginning to focus on the reciprocal relationship between parental influence in various areas and the effects on children. The literature highlights how parental beliefs and approaches to academics, screen time, and mental health can influence the child’s behavior and development however, the effects of parental involvement may not be distinct, but complex. The current study analyzed relationships between parental beliefs and behavioral patterns concerning their child’s academics, social media, internet usage, mental health, and possible effects on adult behavior. From the decades of research surrounding this area, the influence of mental health awareness and reflection on self-efficacy has presented questions about how parental beliefs in these areas can shape children’s development. The results of this study found no relationships between parental influence and their adult child’s social media, internet usage, or academics. However, significant findings were made between participants’ focus on academics, mental health, and screen time. Results also found a positive relationship between participants’ focus on their mental health and self-efficacy. The majority of the participants in this study were females of Latin origin, therefore more research needs to be done with more diverse ethnic, racial, and gender groups to further explore this topic.