Family Science Review
Research Articles
Brian J. Higginbotham, Ph.D. & Dan Felix
ABSTRACT. Guided by family stress theory, this study compares newlywed samples of remarried couples from rural and urban areas. More than 900 men and 1,000 women in remarriages responded to questionnaires that assessed their economic pressures, family characteristics, and relationship quality. On socioeconomic characteristics, rural and urban couples differed. Urban couples were more educated, had smaller households, and had higher incomes. However, both samples reported high levels of satisfaction and low levels of relationship instability. Regression analyses identified gender differences in the economic predictors of relationship quality. For wives, both marital satisfaction and marital instability were predicted by financial concerns. For men, relationship outcomes were related to the ability to make ends meet. Material needs (having enough money to afford necessities) also predicted marital satisfaction for women, but not marital instability. Implications for family life education are provided.
Erin Faith Boyd-Soisson and Raeann R. Hamon
ABSTRACT: The Family Folklore Album project is a pedagogical tool in which students interview family members in order to collect stories which are then organized and critically analyzed using concepts and insights gained from a family science course. The Album is designed to help students to gain an awareness of their own family and their place within it, as well as the multiplicity of ways of being family. Formal assessment data of the project reveals that, in general, students appreciate the opportunity to spend time with and learn more about their family members, while at the same time gaining a deeper understanding of family science concepts and their own identity.
Heidi E. Stolz, Ph.D., Denise J. Brandon Ph.D., & Heather S. Wallace, M.S.
ABSTRACT: This manuscript utilizes data from a telephone survey of 312 parent educators across the state of Tennessee to inform research and service efforts of a university-based parenting center. Specifically, we investigated (a) techniques used to disseminate parenting information, (b) specialized populations targeted, (c) curricula used as well as the evidentiary basis of those curricula, and (d) parent educator training and education, all at both state and within-state regional levels. Overall, results indicated that classes were generally available for individuals in various specialized populations, and a range of techniques were utilized to reach parents. Additionally, a variety of curricula were in use by relatively well-trained professionals. Results suggested several areas in which the resources of the university could be directed toward supporting the efforts of parenting educators in Tennessee. University faculty elsewhere are encouraged to similarly connect with front-line parent educators, gather data, and initiate services to help them help others.
Linda S. Behrendt, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT: Social and cultural changes in the 21st century have impacted the task of parenting, and in response to these challenges, the role of parent education has taken on increased importance. The National Extension has defined skills for effective parenting titled Parent Education Model of Critical Parenting Practices, which provide guidelines for educators. Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that all children and youth need to aid them in successfully navigating to adulthood. The theoretical question addressed in this paper is whether the Parent Education Model and Asset Development used together would enhance parent education. A review of the Parent Education Model and Asset Development, as well as results from two focus groups, informed the theoretical question. Implications for practice include curriculum suggestions for use in a variety of parent education, social service, and youth settings.
Scott S. Hall, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT. A common perception is that fathers play an important, if not distinct, role in influencing their young daughters’ future, heterosexual relationships, though the means by which paternal influence and relational outcomes are linked is unclear. The current study explores associations between positive paternal influences (paternal support, a father’s treatment of the daughter’s mother) and attachment styles and dispositions toward marriage (beliefs, attitudes, intentions) of young adult women, with emphasis on unique associations for the father-daughter dyad compared to other parent child pairings. A multivariate multiple regression and follow-up regression models yielded some but limited support for unique associations between fathers and daughters. Especially apparent, however, was the tendency for a daughter to be attracted to relationship partners who reminded her of her father when she reported higher levels of positive paternal influences from her childhood.
