• The Influence of School-specific Parenting Processes on Adolescents' Academic Performance
  Presented by: Mellissa Gordon, Ming Cui

• Tweens, Teens, and Parents: Shared and Divergent Discourses on Romantic Relationships
  Presented by: Jodie L. Hertzog, Ron Matson, Rochelle Rowley, Joshua L. Kehler

• Neighborhood and Parenting Factors Related to Adolescent Self-efficacy
  Presented by: Paige L. Seegan, Kayleigh Welsh, Michael J. Merten, Scott W. Plunkett

Abstracts

The Influence of School-specific Parenting Processes on Adolescents' Academic Performance

Presented by: Mellissa Gordon, Ming Cui

There is little consensus in the literature regarding the specific type of parental support processes that have the most successful outcomes for students. Inconsistencies are likely a reflection of the ways in which parental processes are operationalized. Based on theory and previous studies, we hypothesized that school-specific parenting processes are positively associated with better academic performance up and beyond the effect of general parenting practices and expectations. Our hypothesis was supported. School-specific parenting demonstrated a strong and significant effect on GPA after controlling for parental expectation and general parenting. This study provides empirical support that can further improve academic practices.

Tweens, Teens, and Parents: Shared and Divergent Discourses on Romantic Relationships

Presented by: Jodie L. Hertzog, Ron Matson, Rochelle Rowley

Romantic attachments during adolescence act as a source of anticipatory socialization for the development of future relationships.  While a great deal of existing research focuses on peer impacts, very little research has explored parental perceptions of early adolescent relationships outside of the content area of sexuality.  Using narrative analysis with focus group data, the current study investigates points of intersection and divergence between youth and their parents in their understanding of the state of adolescent relationships today.  Potential implications of these findings for prevention initiatives for both parents and youth will be discussed.     

Neighborhood and Parenting Factors Related to Adolescent Self-Efficacy

Presented by: Paige L. Seegan, Kayleigh Welsh, Michael J. Merten, Scott W. Plunkett

Self-report questionnaire and census block data for 949 adolescents were analyzed using multilevel modeling to assess how structural and perceived neighborhood qualities along with parenting factors influence adolescent general self-efficacy. Participants consisted of 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd generation students from one multi-ethnic school. Results indicated that perceived neighborhood assets and parental support were positively related to general self-efficacy whereas parental psychological control was negatively related to general self-efficacy. No significant association was found between structural neighborhood advantage and adolescent general self-efficacy. A surprising finding was in 3^rd generation youth, where neighborhood structural advantage was negatively related to general self efficacy.