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Title: POSITIVE OUTCOMES OF DIVORCE: A MULTI-METHOD STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF PARENTAL DIVORCE ON CHILDREN.
Creator: Mohi, Grant, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A great deal of the existing literature on parental divorce focuses on the negative influences it has on children and young adults in regards to such areas as their relationships (romantic and familial) and their academic standing. The implications of such research are that parental divorce will always bring harm to families and, consequentially, should be avoided for the sake of the children's wellbeing. What is often missing from this research is a focus on the potential positive outcomes...
Show moreA great deal of the existing literature on parental divorce focuses on the negative influences it has on children and young adults in regards to such areas as their relationships (romantic and familial) and their academic standing. The implications of such research are that parental divorce will always bring harm to families and, consequentially, should be avoided for the sake of the children's wellbeing. What is often missing from this research is a focus on the potential positive outcomes of parental divorce. The intent of this thesis is to explore the effects of parental divorce on young adults' ability to form and maintain romantic relationships, focusing on the positive outcomes of parental divorce on young adults and seeking to answer the question of whether or not young adults can actually benefit from their parents' divorce. By surveying a sample of 233 students from divorced and intact families from a large university on their experiences with parental divorce and/or romantic relationships, in conjunction with face to face interviews, the current study provides a deeper insight into the social factors that help define divorce as positive and explores the effects of family structure, gender of child, economic situation, and pre-existing parental conflict on young adults of divorced parents. Findings suggest that these young adults do experience positive outcomes after the divorce and that these outcomes are dependent on a variety of familial and social factors that shape the divorce experience.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004550, ucf:45226
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004550

Title: A NEW MEASURE OF PARENTAL SELF-EFFICACY FOR ENACTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN THEIR CHILDREN.
Creator: Decker, Jonathan, Dennis, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The issue of childhood obesity has become a pandemic of increasing prevalence and concern. Many behaviors contributing to overweight and obesity, such as dietary intake and physical activity, are learned in childhood. It is known that parents are key agents for change in their children. Therefore, interventions aimed at decreasing childhood overweight and obesity should be targeted at parents. Many parents state that they know the healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors they should...
Show moreThe issue of childhood obesity has become a pandemic of increasing prevalence and concern. Many behaviors contributing to overweight and obesity, such as dietary intake and physical activity, are learned in childhood. It is known that parents are key agents for change in their children. Therefore, interventions aimed at decreasing childhood overweight and obesity should be targeted at parents. Many parents state that they know the healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors they should adopt for their children, but lack the confidence, or self-efficacy, to enact these behaviors. A review of the literature for self-efficacy for behaviors in these domains in parents, adults and children uncovered many key elements involved. A search for an instrument to measure parental self-efficacy was unsuccessful in locating such an instrument, so several instruments in related domains were analyzed for content and utility for the generation of a new questionnaire. A 34-item questionnaire to measure parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors in their children 6-11 years old was developed and tested with a sample of 146 parents of children 6-11 years old, who could read and write English and had access to a computer with the internet. Internal reliability of the total scale was 0.94 and the two factors, dietary behaviors (DB) and physical activity behaviors (PAB) were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. Test-retest reliability was also significant (p<0.05) for individual item responses and total and subscale scores in 25 participants after 5-10 days. Factor analysis resulted in two interpretable factors (DB and PAB) which accounted for 25.3% and 16.8% of the variance, respectively. All items correlated more strongly with items on their respective subscales. Concurrent validity with theoretically similar scales was also demonstrated. This new measure was reliable and valid in this sample of parents of children 6-11 years old. Future use and further evaluation of this new measure is warranted.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0002983, ucf:47942
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002983

Title: SINGLE PARENT, FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO TRANSFER TO A BACHELOR'S DEGREE INSTITUTION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION.
Creator: Snyder, Kevin, Cintron, Rosa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This qualitative, phenomenological research study was conducted to investigate the influences of self-efficacy on the college experiences and beliefs about capabilities of single parent, first-generation, transfer students. Consistent and strong levels of self-efficacy were revealed within each of the eight participants. Major participant themes identified through the Pattern Recognition Flowchart include that (a) children are a primary source of motivation and influence, (b) education is the...
Show moreThis qualitative, phenomenological research study was conducted to investigate the influences of self-efficacy on the college experiences and beliefs about capabilities of single parent, first-generation, transfer students. Consistent and strong levels of self-efficacy were revealed within each of the eight participants. Major participant themes identified through the Pattern Recognition Flowchart include that (a) children are a primary source of motivation and influence, (b) education is the pathway for a better future and career, (c) participants possess strong academic and personal efficacy, (d) participants possess a support network and (e) first-generation status serves as a motivating factor. Minor themes include that participants (a) were influenced by strong role models and positive encouragement and (b) possessed an ability to persevere through significant obstacles. While several of the themes corroborated extant research, some themes supported a unique perspective for this growing student population.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003564, ucf:48902
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003564

Title: Is Experiential Avoidance a Factor in Maternal Overprotection?.
Creator: Nieves, Melissa, Beidel, Deborah, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Rapport, Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The current study examined experiential avoidance (EA) as an explanation for parental overprotectiveness, a behavior often found among parents of anxious children. EA parenting theory posits that parents engage in overprotective behaviors in order to reduce their own anxiety. In order to test the theory, mothers' electrodermal activity (EDA) and blindly-coded overprotective behaviors were examined when a child with SAD was engaged in a reading performance task. In line with EA theory, it was...
Show moreThe current study examined experiential avoidance (EA) as an explanation for parental overprotectiveness, a behavior often found among parents of anxious children. EA parenting theory posits that parents engage in overprotective behaviors in order to reduce their own anxiety. In order to test the theory, mothers' electrodermal activity (EDA) and blindly-coded overprotective behaviors were examined when a child with SAD was engaged in a reading performance task. In line with EA theory, it was hypothesized that EDA levels would increase before an overprotective behavior (OB) occurred and decrease afterwards as a result of decrease in anxiety. The sample consisted of mothers with a child diagnosed with SAD (n=5) and mothers with a child with no diagnoses (n=5). Each mother-child dyad participated in an ABAB design protocol consisting of a baseline period, two 10-minute reading tasks, and a recovery period between the two tasks. Although mothers of both groups displayed OBs, mothers of children with SAD displayed OBs more often. In addition, mothers of children with SAD displayed more promotion of avoidance while mothers of normal control children displayed higher frequencies of control over the reading task. The EDA activity that surrounded the first occurrence of any coded OB was examined. Contrary to the hypothesis, all mothers (regardless of child's anxiety status) displayed similar trends in their EDA data, with levels increasing but then decreasing shortly before an OB behavior occurred, rather than afterwards. However, one mother with an elevated social anxiety score revealed an EDA pattern similar to what was hypothesized. Possible explanations for these alternate findings are discussed and include a multidisciplinary conceptualization. The study's findings hold theoretical and practical implications, particularly for parent training in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. Limitations such as small sample size and directions for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004902, ucf:49676
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004902

Title: INCREASING PARENTAL AWARENESS AND MONITORING: THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A WEB-BASED PROGRAM TO EMPOWER PARENTS TO REDUCE UNDERAGE ALCOHOL USE.
Creator: Brown, Pamela, Dunn, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Parent attitudes about underage alcohol use and parent monitoring of the activities of their adolescent children have been found to be directly related to the likelihood of underage alcohol use. Unfortunately, there are relatively few programs or resources available to parents to assist them to reduce their childrenÃ‚Â's potential for early and problematic alcohol involvement. In an effort to address this need, the present project entailed the development and evaluation...
Show moreParent attitudes about underage alcohol use and parent monitoring of the activities of their adolescent children have been found to be directly related to the likelihood of underage alcohol use. Unfortunately, there are relatively few programs or resources available to parents to assist them to reduce their childrenÃ‚Â's potential for early and problematic alcohol involvement. In an effort to address this need, the present project entailed the development and evaluation of a web-based psychoeducational program entitled, Increasing Parental Awareness and Monitoring (iPAM). This online program begins to fill the gap in effective and convenient programming focused on development of parent skills and awareness. The content of the program is based on parenting factors that have been consistently found to correspond to underage alcohol use. The format includes engaging and interactive components that function to promote increased parent knowledge of the problem of underage drinking. In addition, the program is designed to alter permissive or ambivalent attitudes regarding underage alcohol use, and increase parental behaviors that have shown to be effective in reducing youth alcohol involvement. A randomized controlled trial was conducted (n = 34 control; n = 33 experimental) with parents of adolescents in Central Florida who were asked to complete measures before exposure to the program and again approximately one month later. Findings revealed significant differences between the iPAM group and the control group. Specifically, an increase in parent knowledge about underage alcohol use and increased parental monitoring of their adolescent children was revealed. There was also a main effect for time with regard to increased parent-child communication about alcohol. Additionally, while both groups revealed increased communication, the experimental group revealed greater frequency of communication about alcohol although not significantly.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003389, ucf:48454
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003389

Title: Nutrition Literacy and Demographic Variables as Predictors of Adolescent Weight Status in a Florida County.
Creator: Damato-Kubiet, Leslee, Sole, Mary, Bushy, Angeline, Conner, Norma, Berman, Steven, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Problem: In recent years, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions across the United States (U.S.) in parallel with adult obesity, which often reflects poor dietary choices and bad nutritional habits. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent and adolescent nutrition literacy expressed as nutrition knowledge and skills, with total household income and parent level of education, as predictors of weight status in adolescents that live in a...
Show moreProblem: In recent years, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions across the United States (U.S.) in parallel with adult obesity, which often reflects poor dietary choices and bad nutritional habits. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent and adolescent nutrition literacy expressed as nutrition knowledge and skills, with total household income and parent level of education, as predictors of weight status in adolescents that live in a Florida community. The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the implications for nutrition literacy levels within parent/adolescent dyads to identify public health initiatives aimed at adult and adolescent populations.Methods: A descriptive, correlational design was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 110 parent-adolescent dyads recruited from a free physical exam event hosted by a local health care facility. Three instruments were completed by each dyad: 1) demographic survey, 2) Nutrition Literacy Survey (NLS; knowledge), and 3) Newest Vital Sign (NVS; skills). Physiologic measurements for the study included anthropometric measurement of the adolescent child's height (cm) and weight (kg) without shoes and BMI scores were calculated. In addition to actual value, BMI was categorized as low/normal and overweight/obese for analysis. Paired t-tests were used to compare means for the NLS and NVS survey in parent-adolescent dyads. Bivariate correlation scores were computed between the two variables of parent/adolescent NLS and NVS scores. Lastly, regression models for examining adolescent BMI were compared with the independent variables of the study.Results: The sample of adult participants (n =110) comprised males (n = 30, 27%) and females (n =80, 73%) ranging in age from 34 to 55 years (M= 41.9, SD= 4.77). Adolescent participants (n=110) comprised males (n = 61, 55%) and females (n = 49, 45%) ranging in age from 13 to 17 years (M = 15.1, SD = 1.43). Adolescent male participants had higher BMI (27 + 3.48) than females (24 + 2.90), t (108) = 4.83, (p = (<) .001). Adolescent males were categorized more overweight/obese than females (67.2% versus 24.5%). The parent NLS mean score (M=19) indicated low overall levels of general nutrition knowledge whereas the adolescent NLS mean score (M=21.7) demonstrated greater aptitude for nutrition knowledge than parent scores. The parent NVS mean score (M=4.1) suggested adequate levels of nutrition skills. Likewise, the adolescent NVS mean score (M= 4.1) suggested adequate nutrition skills, similar to scores in the adult population. Spearman rho correlations yielded positive correlations between parent/adolescent nutrition knowledge, (rs = .224, p = .019), and parents' nutrition knowledge and skills (rs = .596, p (<) .001). Positive correlations were also noted between adolescents' nutrition knowledge and parents' nutrition skills (rs = .257, p = .007) and adolescents' nutrition knowledge and nutrition skills (rs = .260. p = .006). Three regression models were calculated to examine adolescent BMI with the independent variables of the study. Analysis of regression coefficients for each model indicated that none of the variables demonstrated significance as a predictor of adolescent BMI.Discussion/Implications: The results of the study suggest that parents and adolescents may have similar amounts of nutrition literacy when examining the constructs of nutrition knowledge and skills; however, BMI is not solely dependent on these skill sets. Examination of the factors that influence parents and adolescent children's weight status are important elements in shaping families adoption of sound dietary habits and improving health outcomes.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005154, ucf:50685
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005154

Title: Childhood Maltreatment and Mother-Young Child Attachment: Examining Interactions among Attachment, Depression, Reflective Functioning, Parenting Behaviors, and Young Children's Outcomes in Mothers with Histories of Childhood Maltreatment.
Creator: Khan, Maria, Renk, Kimberly, Paulson, Daniel, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although previous research identified mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment as exhibiting an especially heightened risk for attachment difficulties with their own young children, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship have been lacking. Thus, the current study introduced mothers' depressive symptoms and the novel construct of reflective functioning as potential mediators to help explain the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment as exhibiting an especially heightened risk for attachment difficulties with their own young children, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship have been lacking. Thus, the current study introduced mothers' depressive symptoms and the novel construct of reflective functioning as potential mediators to help explain the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure (i.e., anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) mother-young child attachment. The current study included a community sample of 146 mothers with children who ranged in age from 1(&)#189;-to 5-years. Mothers provided ratings of their own childhood maltreatment experiences, attachment with their young children, depressive symptoms, reflective functioning, parenting behaviors and attributions, and young children's problems. Correlational analyses displayed significant associations among the variables of interest. Additionally, mediational analyses indicated that mothers' depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure mother-young child attachment. Given that mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences failed to predict reflective functioning, the mediational role of reflective functioning was unsupported. Further, mothers' reflective functioning mediated the relationship between mothers' depressive symptoms and patterns of mother-young child insecure attachment. Finally, hierarchical regression analyses showed that mothers' adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms uniquely predicted their young children's internalizing and externalizing problems. These data suggested that the psychological consequences resulting from adverse childhood experiences may be more damaging to mothers' attachment with their young children than mothers' adverse childhood experiences alone. Moreover, these findings suggested that mothers' depressive symptoms and reflective functioning work together in predicting mother-young child attachment. Altogether, these results demonstrated the importance for promoting trauma-informed parenting interventions for facilitating secure emotional connections between mothers and young children, especially in mothers with childhood traumatic experiences themselves.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006753, ucf:51860
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006753

Title: Childhood Trauma, Reflective Functioning and Attributions, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Parenting Competence: What Happens When the Traumatized Child Grows Up and Becomes a Mother?.
Creator: Cunningham, Annelise, Renk, Kimberly, Paulson, Daniel, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research documented the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived parenting competence. Further, previous evidence supported the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of early exposure to trauma. To build on these previously noted relationships, the present study examined the relationships among reflective functioning and attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence, with self-efficacy serving as a mediating variable. Specifically, this study...
Show morePrevious research documented the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived parenting competence. Further, previous evidence supported the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of early exposure to trauma. To build on these previously noted relationships, the present study examined the relationships among reflective functioning and attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence, with self-efficacy serving as a mediating variable. Specifically, this study sought to focus on the cognitive variables associated with mothers' perceived self-efficacy and parenting competence and how those variables interact differently when early exposure to trauma is present. As part of this study, a national community sample of 126 culturally diverse mothers of young children who were between the ages of 1(&)#189;- to 5-years rated their own reflective functioning, attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence as well as their young children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Correlational analyses showed significant relationships among the variables of interest. Further, mediation analyses indicated that, for the overall sample, mothers' self-efficacy mediated the relationship between both mothers' reflective functioning and attributions and perceived parenting competence. Interestingly, a varying relationship among reflective functioning was found among mothers with a trauma history in comparison to the total sample. Additionally, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that, for both samples, mothers' reflective functioning, attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived parenting competence collectively predicted young children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Lastly, through an auxiliary hypothesis, a curvilinear relationship was identified between mothers' perceived self-efficacy and parenting competence. Overall, this study contributed information regarding the importance of self-efficacy as a mechanism through which reflective functioning and attributions may potentially be related to perceived parenting competence. Accordingly, these findings suggested that mothers' perceptions about their own abilities may be a potentially important point of intervention.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006092, ucf:51191
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006092

Title: Mothers' Temperament, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Psychological Symptoms: How Are Enduring Maternal Characteristics Related to Mothers' Perceptions of Children's Temperament, Behavior Problems, and Adaptive Functioning?.
Creator: Kolomeyer, Ellen, Renk, Kimberly, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Extant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective...
Show moreExtant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective functioning and attributions serving as two potential mediating variables in these relationships. A community sample of 224 diverse mothers of young children who were between 2- to 5-years of age rated their own adverse childhood experiences, temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, specific parenting behaviors, satisfaction with their maternal role, and psychological symptoms. Additionally, mothers rated their children's temperament, behavior problems, and adaptive functioning. Statistical analyses were conducted on the overall sample as well as on a subsample of participants who reported a high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Correlational analyses indicated a variety of significant relationships among the variables of interest. Next, mediational analyses indicated that mothers' attributions mediated the relationship between mothers' temperament and parenting behaviors in both the overall sample and the subsample of mothers who reported high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Further, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that a number of maternal characteristics predicted young children's outcomes. Overall, this study identified unique predictors of mothers' parenting behaviors and of mothers' perceptions of the outcomes experienced by their young children. Most importantly, this study highlighted the importance of serving families as a whole when wanting to provide lasting improvements to individual and family functioning through intervention services.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006130, ucf:51167
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006130

Title: Examining the Experiences of Latino/a Parents of First-Generation College Students Pursuing a Doctoral Degree.
Creator: Toro, Natalia, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Laureano Fuentes, Gloria, Bryer, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research points to Latino/a parents as an important source of motivation and support for high achieving Latino/a students who are the first in their families to go to college (Arellano (&) Padilla, 2006; G(&)#225;ndara, 1982; 1994; Hurtado (&) Sinha, 2006; Zalaquett, 2005); however, very little is known about their experience as they parent children whose educational paths are so different from their own. Cultural values such as collectivism and familism play a unique role in the level of...
Show moreResearch points to Latino/a parents as an important source of motivation and support for high achieving Latino/a students who are the first in their families to go to college (Arellano (&) Padilla, 2006; G(&)#225;ndara, 1982; 1994; Hurtado (&) Sinha, 2006; Zalaquett, 2005); however, very little is known about their experience as they parent children whose educational paths are so different from their own. Cultural values such as collectivism and familism play a unique role in the level of connection between these parents and their children (Su(&)#225;rez-Orozco (&) Su(&)#225;rez-Orozco, 1995), creating dynamics that merit exploration. This dissertation qualitatively examines how seven Latino/a parents of first-generation college students pursuing a PhD expressed the parenting characteristics outlined in Parent Development Theory (Mowder, 2005). Furthermore, this study explores how these parents experienced their daughters' higher education journey. Moustakas' (1994) transcendental phenomenology was utilized in analyzing parents' voices. The textural and structural descriptions of major and minor themes provided the essence of the parents' experience. Example of themes are: (")Pero la Apoyo - Uncertainty and Support for the PhD("), (")Siempre Juntos - High Levels of Interaction("), and (")Amor Compasivo - Distance, Pain and Sacrifice("). Recommendations include support for pre-doctoral preparation initiatives, co-curricular innovations, and the exploration of the impact of modern technologies on the communication between parents and their children while in college.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006670, ucf:51226
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006670

Title: Marital Adjustment in Parents of Multiple Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Creator: Mills, Rachel, Dunn, Stacey, Daly, Terri, Fouty, Ed, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The current study investigated the relationship between raising multiple children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and martial adjustment and whether perceived social support moderates this relationship. The sample (n = 115) consisted of 77 parents of a single child diagnosed with an ASD and 44 parents of 2 or more children diagnosed with an ASD. There was no significant difference in martial adjustment between the parents of single versus multiple children with ASDs and no significant...
Show moreThe current study investigated the relationship between raising multiple children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and martial adjustment and whether perceived social support moderates this relationship. The sample (n = 115) consisted of 77 parents of a single child diagnosed with an ASD and 44 parents of 2 or more children diagnosed with an ASD. There was no significant difference in martial adjustment between the parents of single versus multiple children with ASDs and no significant relationship between number of children with an ASD within a family and marital adjustment. Although the main hypotheses were not supported, data from experimental questions indicated that a majority of participants believed their marriage was affected by their child's ASD diagnosis and most rated this effect negatively. Further, for parents of multiple children with ASDs, the rating of degree of impact upon their marital relationship after the first diagnosis was significantly positively related to their marital impact rating following the second diagnosis, suggesting that parents who view the effects of the first diagnosis as negative are likely to view the effects of the second diagnosis negatively as well. Since there was no a significant relationship between number of children with and ASD and marital adjustment, social support was not tested as a moderator. However, there was a significant positive relationship between dyadic adjustment and perceived social support. Further research examining the effects of parenting multiple children with ASDs is warranted.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005383, ucf:50456
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005383

Title: FAMILY CONFLICT AND EMERGING ADULTS' ATTRIBUTIONS OF CONFLICT IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS.
Creator: Oliveros, Arazais, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict...
Show moreThe impact of parents' marital conflict and parent-child conflict on the adjustment of children is well documented. Given the theoretical and empirical data to support a relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict during childhood and later conflict in romantic relationships, it is important to investigate the potential mechanisms that operate in this relationship. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the extent to which attributions of conflict mediate the relationship between experiencing interparental and parent-child conflict and later conflict in a romantic relationship. Results were based on the responses of emerging adults (190 males and 473 females) enrolled in psychology courses at a large southeastern university. Compared to males, females reported experiencing lower levels of permissive parenting, as well as higher levels of interparental psychological aggression, maternal emotional availability, attachment with mothers and peers, and overt violence in their current romantic relationships. Consistent with extant research, significant correlations were found among interparental conflict, parent-child conflict, attributions of conflict, parenting style, emotional availability of parents, attachment, and conflict with current romantic partners. Regression analyses (for males and females separately) suggested that different types of interparental and parent-child conflict predict greater hostile attributions and greater levels of conflict with current romantic partners. Although attributions of conflict predicted conflict with current romantic partners, conflict attributions did not mediate the relationship between family conflict and conflict with current romantic partners. These findings emphasized the importance of research investigating the long-term cognitive and emotional effects of family conflict and violence in order to provide a context for understanding the development of risk and resilience factors for relationship violence.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002353, ucf:47819
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002353

Title: A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Adolescent Mobile Online Safety.
Creator: Ghosh, Arup Kumar, ,, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the rise of adolescent smartphone use, concerns about teen online safety are also on the rise. A number of parental control apps are available for mobile devices, but adoption of these apps has been markedly low. To better understand these apps, their users, and design opportunities in the space of mobile online safety for adolescents, we have conducted four studies informed by the principles of Value Sensitive Design (VSD). In Study 1 (Chapter 2), we conducted a web-based survey of 215...
Show moreWith the rise of adolescent smartphone use, concerns about teen online safety are also on the rise. A number of parental control apps are available for mobile devices, but adoption of these apps has been markedly low. To better understand these apps, their users, and design opportunities in the space of mobile online safety for adolescents, we have conducted four studies informed by the principles of Value Sensitive Design (VSD). In Study 1 (Chapter 2), we conducted a web-based survey of 215 parents and their teens (ages 13-17) using two separate logistic regression models (parent and teen) to examine the factors that predicted parental use of technical monitoring apps on their teens' mobile devices. Both parent and teen models confirmed that low autonomy granting (e.g., authoritarian) parents were the most likely to use parental control apps. The teen model revealed additional nuances, indicating that teens who were victimized online and had peer problems were more likely to be monitored by their parents. Overall, increased parental control was associated with more (not fewer) online risks. In Study 2 (Chapter 3), we conducted a structured, qualitative feature analysis of 75 Android mobile apps designed for promoting adolescent online safety. We found that the available apps overwhelmingly supported parental control through restriction and monitoring over teen self-regulation or parental active mediation. In Study 3 (Chapter 4), we conducted a qualitative analysis of 736 reviews of 37 mobile online safety apps from Google Play that were publicly posted and written by teens. Our results indicate that teen ratings were significantly lower than that of parents with 76% of the teen reviews giving apps a single star. Teens felt that the apps were overly restrictive and invasive of their personal privacy, negatively impacting their relationships with their parents. For our final study (Chapter 5), we developed a mobile app prototype suggesting alternative designs for keeping teens safe online and conducted a user study which showed that parents and children (ages 10-17) both significantly preferred our new app design over existing parental control apps. Both parents and children reported that our VSD informed design is less privacy-invasive for children and would improve communication and trust relationship between them. Yet, more work needs to be done to improve approaches for risk detection and mediation that support online safety. In summary, this research will enable researchers and designers to create more effective solutions for teen online safety that will help promote more positive parent-teen relationships.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007181, ucf:52256
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007181

Title: Students Who Are Gifted and Public School Enrollment Choices Their Parents Make.
Creator: Austin, Leigh, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Baldwin, Lee, Brooks, Bridget, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be...
Show moreABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be influenced by factors within the school as well as those factors outside of the school. The purpose of this study was to research factors that may influence the parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school. The research studied parental perceptions of academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education for their child who is gifted and the parents' willingness to keep their child who is gifted enrolled at their current school. The target group in the study was parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in a very large urban school district but did not include parents of children who are gifted and also have a disability.The research included the analysis of a survey and follow-up interview questions with parents of a child who is gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. There were 683 survey responses out of 4,401 total parents surveyed with a return rate of 16%. The low return rate is considered a limitation of the study and it is recommended to conduct additional research on the majority of parents who did not participate in the survey. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. The survey and interview data was coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. There were two research questions that guided the development of the research process and the analysis of data. The first question focused on indicators of parent satisfaction that included academic needs met, social and emotional needs met, and principal support for gifted education. The survey and interview data yielded mixed results with parents split between the belief that their child's academic needs were met, social and emotional needs were met, and that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The second research question considered the relationship between the three indicators of parent satisfaction and the parents' willingness to consider enrolling their child in a school solely for students who are gifted. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the parents' belief that their child's academic needs were met and the parents' consideration to send their child to a school solely for students who are gifted. However, there was a lack of evidence to establish a relationship between parent's belief about their child's social and emotional needs or the parents belief that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The implications of the study are numerous. There are enough parents willing to consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted to support opening the school. The majority of the survey participants had elementary school children; therefore, consideration should be focused on opening an elementary school for students who are gifted. Long range planning is needed to determine how to support the school for students who are gifted as well as the impact of transferring the students from one school zone to the school for students who are gifted. The literature reflected the diverse nature of the parents' satisfaction with academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education and revealed that when the parents' are satisfied it does not guarantee that the parent will keep their child enrolled in their current school. The need for on-going communication between the school and the parents are critical to keeping the student enrolled in their current school.Further research is needed to determine the beliefs of parents with children who are gifted and identify themselves as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or another race since the majority of the survey participants were White. More research is also needed to determine the reasons why large numbers of parents would consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted regardless of their satisfaction levels with school support. In addition, further research needs to be conducted to determine why parents would choose to keep their child enrolled in their current school when the parents believed their academic or social and emotional needs were not met or their principal was not supportive of gifted education.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005759, ucf:50092
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005759

Title: DOMESTIC PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION PROBLEMS AND WORKING MEMORY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INATTENTIVE ADHD SYMPTOMS.
Creator: Mohan, Svetha, Rapport, Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to explore the mediating effects of ADHD Inattentive symptoms on domestic parent-child interaction problems and working memory. Inattentive symptoms in children with ADHD are known to cause forgetfulness, slow processing speed, and negative parent-child interactions. Working memory deficits in phonological short term memory and the central executive are also well-established in children with ADHD. However, it is currently unknown to what extent inattentive...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the mediating effects of ADHD Inattentive symptoms on domestic parent-child interaction problems and working memory. Inattentive symptoms in children with ADHD are known to cause forgetfulness, slow processing speed, and negative parent-child interactions. Working memory deficits in phonological short term memory and the central executive are also well-established in children with ADHD. However, it is currently unknown to what extent inattentive symptoms are responsible for home behavior problems in conjunction with phonological working memory deficits. The aims are tested using two validated, common clinical questionnaires: The Teacher Report Form and the Home Situations Questionnaire. Additionally, working memory and executive function are tested using a phonological letter-number sequencing task and a visuospatial dot-in-the-box task. Results show that inattentive symptoms mediate the relationship between working memory and parent-child interaction problems. Teacher reports of inattention affect the degree to which the child experiences behavior problems at home, and also affects the phonological working memory system implicated in this behavior. Future directions include using a more diverse sample, investigating a wider range of ADHD symptoms, investigating effects across multiple settings, and exploring possibilities of additional executive functioning mediators.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000161, ucf:45976
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000161

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARENT AND CHILD SELF-TALK IN A COLLEGE SAMPLE.
Creator: Donnelly, Reesa, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research has demonstrated the importance of early social interactions in the development of self-talk. It does not appear, however, that existing research has examined the relationship between parents' self-talk and the self-talk that develops in their children. This study examined the relationship between self-talk in parents and their college-age children. Results revealed significant relationships between students' and parents' positive self-talk, but not negative self-talk. Marginal...
Show moreResearch has demonstrated the importance of early social interactions in the development of self-talk. It does not appear, however, that existing research has examined the relationship between parents' self-talk and the self-talk that develops in their children. This study examined the relationship between self-talk in parents and their college-age children. Results revealed significant relationships between students' and parents' positive self-talk, but not negative self-talk. Marginal relationships were found for self-talk ratios (ratios of positive and negative self-talk). Maternal communication was found to mediate the relationship between students' and their mothers' positive self-talk. Different trends also were noted between genders. Finally, self-talk was related significantly to depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Overall, results of this study emphasize the relationship between parents' and their children's positive self-talk and the importance of self-talk in psychological functioning. These findings lend promise to the possibility of modifying parents' self-talk and communication as a way to modify their children's self-talk and psychological functioning.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000414, ucf:46401
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000414

Title: THE ASSOCIATION OF ATTACHMENT STYLE AND PERCEPTIONS OF CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE.
Creator: Luther, Kandace, Paulson, Daniel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examines caregiver experiences as they relate to attachment style. The overarching hypothesis is that perceptions of the caregiver role differ depending on the degree of avoidance and anxiousness in the caregiver's attachment style. Caregiver response was measured in the areas of filial obligation, work reduction, perceived control, caregiver burden, depressive symptomatology, and preparedness for caregiving. The final sample consisted of 150 caregivers who identified as the...
Show moreThis research examines caregiver experiences as they relate to attachment style. The overarching hypothesis is that perceptions of the caregiver role differ depending on the degree of avoidance and anxiousness in the caregiver's attachment style. Caregiver response was measured in the areas of filial obligation, work reduction, perceived control, caregiver burden, depressive symptomatology, and preparedness for caregiving. The final sample consisted of 150 caregivers who identified as the primary caregiver for a parent over the age of 65. This sample was recruited using Mechanical Turk, an online survey distribution tool. The survey was created online with Qualtrics software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and procedures primarily focused on correlational and descriptive statistics. The results revealed several significant correlations between attachment style and caregiver burden as well as depression, supporting the hypothesis that attachment style is associated with differences in perception of the caregiver experience. This research is motivated by the increasingly urgent need for caregiver support through financial aid, counseling services, and cohesive healthcare options.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004705, ucf:45408
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004705

Title: MAKING THE DECISION: FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Himschoot, Brian, Murray, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information...
Show moreIn the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information about local schools paramount. While scholarly work on charter schools, the effects of media coverage on public opinion, and how parents make choices for their children exists, in many cases the research offers inconclusive results and rarely was there an attempt to connect all three. This paper, written from a parent's perspective, analyzes research, newspaper articles, interviews, and surveys of Central Florida's media outlets, public school representatives, and parents of young children to determine the types of information on charter schools available to parents of young children in Central Florida. The purpose of this thesis will be to investigate the information available to parents when considering a charter school for their young children by comparing the stated opinions of the local media, district school boards, and the charters themselves. It also identifies who is responsible for disseminating this information, and how the parents choose to gather and use this information.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004466, ucf:45105
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004466

Title: THE OFFLINE IMPACT OF CYBERBULLYING.
Creator: Ortiz, Kathleen, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over the recent years, we have seen an immense increase in technology. Though the Internet can be convenient to students, it can also bear negative repercussions. Cyberbullying has impacted millions of people across the nation hindering them in many ways. The Bullying occurs through different outlets, from websites, emails to text messages. Victims cannot truly escape the matter because it follows them wherever they may go. The intent of this thesis was to see who the victims of cyberbullying...
Show moreOver the recent years, we have seen an immense increase in technology. Though the Internet can be convenient to students, it can also bear negative repercussions. Cyberbullying has impacted millions of people across the nation hindering them in many ways. The Bullying occurs through different outlets, from websites, emails to text messages. Victims cannot truly escape the matter because it follows them wherever they may go. The intent of this thesis was to see who the victims of cyberbullying are, what the aftermath effect is, and whether they notify an adult about their situation. Using data from the School Crime Supplement based on the National Crime Victimization Survey, the findings suggest that females are victims of cyber bullying more frequently than males and that adults are not commonly notified when victimization occurs. Furthermore, the repercussions of victimization include fear of harm or attack, as well as skipping classes to avoid the problem. By exploring cyberbullying and its effect, through time studies such as this one will raise awareness in society and contribute towards the solution of cyberbullying.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004398, ucf:44978
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004398

Title: PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CHILDREN IN FLORIDA: EXAMINING THE OXYMORON OF PARENTAL LIABILITY.
Creator: Specoli, Marco, Cook, Kathy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the concept of parental liability and the effect it has in deterring juvenile delinquency, with an emphasis on Florida Law. It will also consider the concept's ability to properly compensate victims of juvenile offenses. The thesis focuses on the circumstances in which a parent or guardian may be liable for the actions of a child and how liability insurance law plays a key role in compensating innocent victims. It discusses Florida's public policy of seeking justice by...
Show moreThis thesis examines the concept of parental liability and the effect it has in deterring juvenile delinquency, with an emphasis on Florida Law. It will also consider the concept's ability to properly compensate victims of juvenile offenses. The thesis focuses on the circumstances in which a parent or guardian may be liable for the actions of a child and how liability insurance law plays a key role in compensating innocent victims. It discusses Florida's public policy of seeking justice by holding parents responsible and the problems that it faces by doing so. The thesis further examines what issues arise when parents are found vicariously liable for their negligence or contribution to a child's offense, but are not covered by liability insurance coverage or the insurers deny coverage.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004110, ucf:44866
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004110

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