Does Family Status (intact or Not Intact) Effect Child Outcomes in the Areas of Academic Performance, Conduct, and Self-Esteem?

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Methods

The methods I used were online survey monkey. Demographics such as father-child relationships, academic performance, self-esteem, conduct, and family relationships. I received 62 participants out of 150. Measuring the father-child relationship consist of 9 questions on father autonomy support, 6 questions on father involvement, and 6 questions on father warmth(love, affection, etc.). Another method I used is measuring academics using GPA scaling, and measuring self-esteem and conduct using the Likert scaling.

Findings

The original number of data entries was 150. 59 participants did not complete the survey. 18 participants replicated the survey, and 11 were under the target age of 18 for this research study. The final number of participants for this study was 62. As far as demographics family status I found that 62% were intact, 38% not intact, 8% father deceased, and 2.6% step father or other male figure present. I found that those 18-21 years of age were 68.1% intact and 70.5% not intact, 22-25 years of age were 24.3% intact and 21.6 not intact, 25-27 years of age were 7.6% intact and 8.0% not intact. Gender revealed that males were 31% intact and 285 not intact. Females were 69% intact and 72% not intact. Ethnicity revealed that 38.3% of whites were intact and 28% not intact, 51% of black’s intact and 56% not intact, 10.7% of others were intact and 16% not intact. Those that had biological fathers were 93% intact and 85.2% not intact. Those with stepfathers were 0% intact and 6.8% not intact. Those with sig. other male figure were 6% intact and 2.3% not intact. Those with no male figure were 0% intact and 5.7% not intact. I concluded from my findings that family status had no significant/direct impact on individual’s outcomes such as: academic performance, conduct, and self-esteem. Family status does not influence father-child relationships; intact families have increased father warmth, father support, and father involvement. Father-child relationships do influence some child outcomes. Father support, involvement, and warmth all impact: involvement in extracurricular activities and self-esteem.

Limitations/Problems

It is difficult to classify family status. For example; married but not living together, married/living under the same roof but father deceased. Measures of the father-child relationships are perceived by the child. This study did not include young children. Family status may play a greater role in younger years when parents are the main support system.

Future Research

In the future I would involve age a little bit more; children vs adults and young adults vs. older adults. Include ratings by parents for involvement, warmth, and support. If possible, include teacher ratings for conduct and academic performances. Continue to explore the impact of the father-child relationship in regards to family status.

References

*research was based off college students

- PubMed.gov: The Influence of Parent Education and Family Income on Child Achievement: the Indirect Role of Parental Expectations and the Home Environment

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