Introduction
At TinyEYE, we are committed to leveraging research to enhance our online therapy services for schools. A recent study titled "Longitudinal Associations between Parental Support and Parental Knowledge on Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Adolescents" provides invaluable insights for practitioners focused on improving adolescent outcomes. This blog will distill key findings from the study and offer actionable strategies for practitioners.
Understanding the Study
The study, conducted by Cutrín et al. (2021), examined the longitudinal effects of parental support and parental knowledge on both antisocial behavior and emotional problems in adolescents. The sample consisted of 642 adolescents aged 12-15 from Spain, followed over three years. The study found that parental knowledge directly predicted both antisocial behavior and emotional problems, while parental support had an indirect effect through the mediating role of parental knowledge.
Key Findings
- Parental knowledge is a robust predictor of adolescent antisocial behavior and emotional problems.
- Parental support indirectly influences these outcomes through its effect on parental knowledge.
- Bidirectional relationships exist between parental support and parental knowledge.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings have significant implications for practitioners working with adolescents and their families. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Focus on Enhancing Parental Knowledge
Since parental knowledge is a direct predictor of both antisocial behavior and emotional problems, interventions should aim to increase parents' awareness of their children's activities, whereabouts, and friendships. This can be achieved through:
- Parenting workshops that emphasize the importance of staying informed.
- Encouraging open communication between parents and adolescents.
- Utilizing technology, such as apps, to help parents monitor their children's activities.
2. Promote Supportive Parenting Practices
Although parental support does not directly influence adolescent outcomes, it plays a crucial role in enhancing parental knowledge. Practitioners should encourage parents to adopt supportive behaviors such as:
- Showing warmth and affection.
- Engaging in open and honest communication.
- Providing emotional and psychological support.
3. Implement Preventive Programs
Given the study's findings, preventive programs should focus on both parental support and knowledge. Programs like "Familias: Preparando la Nueva Generación" and "Programa de Competencia Familiar" have shown success in improving parenting practices. These programs can be adapted to focus more on increasing parental knowledge as a preventive measure against antisocial behavior and emotional problems.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is still much to learn about the complex relationships between parental support, parental knowledge, and adolescent outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to explore these dynamics in different cultural contexts and among diverse populations. Future studies could also investigate the role of other factors, such as socioeconomic status and parental mental health, in shaping these relationships.
Conclusion
The study by Cutrín et al. (2021) underscores the importance of parental knowledge and support in influencing adolescent behavioral and emotional outcomes. By focusing on enhancing these aspects, practitioners can help create better outcomes for adolescents. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Longitudinal Associations between Parental Support and Parental Knowledge on Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Adolescents.
