Missing pages 38 and 39 / This research is based on a sample of 76 couples experiencing a fertility problem. Recruited through a medical fertility clinic and several adoption agencies, the response rate was 43%. Data were collected by weans of written questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The focus of this research is on the way that parenthood identity changes for couples who are unable to have biological children and who therefore pursue adoption as an alternate route to parenthood. Conceptualized as a "transformation of identity", the analysis traces the process by which couples relinquish identification with biological parenthood and assume identification with adoptive parenthood. Several key issues are explored in the study: the impact of infertility on the taken-for-granted weaning of parenthood; critical incidents that initiate the transition to adoptive parenthood; objective and subjective indicators of what it weans to be ready to take on adoptive parenthood; and finally, the resocialization process involved in shifting from biological to adoptive parenthood. Also examined is the relationship between infertility resolution and adoption readiness. The findings suggest that this is not always a sequential relationship as usually assumed, but rather, way be experienced as a concurrent commitment to both biological and adoptive parenthood. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This purposes of this study were to discover what the second grade children seemed to consider as desirable companionship between themselves and their parents, and to recognize the apparent needs for parental companionship that seemed to exist among the pupils.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / The purpose of this study was to explore parents' motivations for encouraging their children to participate in youth sport and to develop a scale to measure the aforementioned motivators. The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase consisted of the development of items for the initial Parents' Motivations for Children's Participation in Sport Scale (PMCPSS). The second phase encompassed administeting the PMCPSS to parents from a range of sports and analyzing that data through factor and item analyses. The third phase consisted of qualitative analysis and using the PMCPSS to examine differences in parental motivations. The sample consisted of 405 parents with children participating in the following youth sports: ice hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, figure skating, volleyball, swimming, and lacrosse. Exploratory factor analysis and item analyses revealed 8 factors labeled as: Life skills; Identification with the child/sport experience; Leam to perform and compete; Child Self-Acceptance; Physical and social development; Enjoyment and family bonding; Achievement and rewards; and Interpersonal skill development. In addition to the reliability coefficients for each factor, a coefficient alpha estimate was conducted to examine the entire scale's reliability. Based on the factor and item analysis, 65 items were retained and the PMCPSS had an overall alpha of .954 and the 8 factors accounted for 49.1% of the variance. Moreover, qualitative analysis of the open-ended responses supported the eight-factor structure of the PMCPSS. Independent-samples t tests were then run utilizing the 65 item PMCPSS to evaluate parental differences (mothers and fathers) on each of the eight factors. This study builds upon previous research in youth sport with four significant contributions. First, it represents an initial step toward understanding why parents encourage their children to participate in youth sport. Second, the results indicate that parents' motivations for encouraging their children to participate in youth sport are multidimensional. Third, it led to the development of an instrument (the PMCPSS) that measures parents' motivations for encouraging their children to participate in youth sport that can be used for future research . Fourth, it demonstrates how the PMCPSS can be used in future research. / 2999-01-01

Au Québec, le tiers des enfants en situation de vulnérabilité socioéconomique (SVSE) commence la maternelle avec un retard dans au moins un domaine de développement. Les retards de développement (RD) peuvent engendrer des conséquences négatives sur l’enfant, sa famille et la société. Les interventions précoces et de soutien aux parents peuvent contribuer à réduire les effets du statut socioéconomique sur le développement. Or, différentes barrières réduisent l’accès des familles en SVSE à ces interventions. Cette recherche participative a pour but de co-développer un outil d’information pour soutenir les parents dans le développement de leur enfant de moins de cinq ans adapté aux familles en SVSE. Les objectifs sont : 1) explorer les besoins d’information des parents en SVSE que pourrait combler un outil sur le développement du jeune enfant ; 2) cibler les informations prioritaires à aborder dans l’outil (contenu) ; 3) déterminer le format d’outil le plus approprié pour rejoindre ces familles. Des parents, des professionnels de la santé, des intervenants communautaires, une gestionnaire et une conseillère scientifique ont participé à un processus de prise de décision en groupe structuré avec la Technique de Recherche d’Informations par Animation d’un Groupe Expert(TRIAGE) pour déterminer en consensus le contenu et le format de l’outil. Ces participants et des experts externes ont été impliqués dans un processus itératif de production, validation et modification de l’outil. En accord, les participants ont décidé de présenter des informations sur les signes d’alarme, la porte d’entrée des services, les ressources de soutien et les stratégies de stimulation de l’autonomie dans un outil prenant la forme d’une échelle croissance. L’outil peut être considéré comme une nouvelle piste de solution pour contribuer à prévenir l’apparition et la progression des RD. Cette étude soutient l’utilisation de TRIAGE comme méthode participative de recherche permettant l’obtention d’un consensus en groupe. / In Quebec, 33% of children from low socioeconomic families have a delay in at least one area of their development at kindergarten. Developmental delays (DD) are associated with negative consequences on the child, its family and the society. Early intervention and parent-based interventions can reduce the effect of socioeconomic status on child development. However, several barriers limit the access of low socioeconomic families to these interventions. The purpose of this participatory research study is to co-develop an educational tool adapted to low socioeconomic families that could inform parents on early child development and strengthen their capacity to create a stimulating home learning environment. The objectives were to 1) explore which parents unmet information needs could be addressed in a tool on early child development, 2) identify which parents’ unmet information needs should be addressed in priority in the tool (tool content) and 3) which format would be the most appropriate to reach our target population (tool format). Parents, pediatric health professionals, community workers, managers and scientific advisers participated in a two phases consensus-seeking process (Technique of Research of Information by Animation of a Group of Experts (TRIAGE)) to reach an agreement regarding the tool content and format. These participants and external experts collaborated in the iterative process of production, validation and modification of the first version of the tool. Participants unanimously decided to present information about red flags, referral resource, support resources and autonomy stimulation strategies on an original, appealing and accessible format of a life size growth chart ruler. The tool developed could be used in primary healthcare and community settings as an intervention to contribute to the prevention of developmental delays. This study reinforced the effectiveness of the TRIAGE method in enabling a group of different stakeholders to reach a consensus

Thèse ou mémoire avec insertion d'articles / L'objectif général de cette thèse est de comprendre la participation politique des parents dans les prises de décision au sein des conseils des commissaires au Québec, notamment depuis l'adoption du projet de loi 105 modifiant la Loi sur l'instruction publique (LIP) en 2016. Ce projet de recherche se décline en trois objectifs spécifiques répartis respectivement dans trois articles scientifiques. Le premier objectif spécifique (article 1) est de faire une analyse des écrits dans l'optique d'apporter un éclairage sur la participation des parents dans la gouvernance de l'éducation au Québec. Plus précisément, il s'agit de décrire, à partir de la littérature existante, les perceptions des différents membres des instances décisionnelles de l'éducation sur cette participation des parents, mais surtout les facteurs qui la favorisent ou qui la freinent. Les résultats de l'analyse des vingt (20) publications retenues à l'issue de cette recension révèlent une divergence entre les perceptions des parents et celles des autres acteurs scolaires (enseignants et directeurs d'écoles) souvent mitigés quant à l'implication des parents dans les prises de décision portant notamment sur les questions pédagogiques. Les résultats de cette recension indiquent également que malgré l'existence de plusieurs facteurs favorisant cette participation parentale, des obstacles, souvent présentés comme étant principalement liés aux parents eux-mêmes, limitent leur implication dans les prises de décision. Le deuxième objectif spécifique (article 2) est de décrire les bases de pouvoir et les stratégies politiques qu'utilisent les commissaires-parents pour influencer les prises de décision au sein des conseils des commissaires au Québec notamment depuis l'adoption du projet de loi 105 modifiant la LIP. À l'aide d'une recherche qualitative de type descriptif, des entrevues semi-dirigées ont été menées auprès de treize (13) participants (6 commissaires-parents, 4 commissaires élus, une directrice générale et deux directeurs généraux adjoints) rattachés à deux commissions scolaires (CS) de la région de Québec. Les résultats issus d'une analyse de contenu thématique montrent que les commissaires-parents disposent des bases de pouvoir structurel et conjoncturel leur permettant d'influencer les prises de décision. Les résultats montrent également que les stratégies politiques déployées par les commissaires-parents sont liées à leurs bases de pouvoir et consistaient notamment à utiliser les parents à la base comme source d'informations pertinentes et à se mettre en coalition avec d'autres membres votants. Le troisième objectif spécifique (article 3) vise à comprendre les perceptions des commissaires-parents, des commissaires élus et des directions sur la participation politique des parents dans les prises de décision au sein des conseils des commissaires depuis l'adoption du projet de loi 105 modifiant la loi sur l'instruction publique. Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, une étude de cas multiples a été réalisée en utilisant les mêmes commissions scolaires et le même échantillon que dans l'article 2 avec lesquels nous avions effectué des entrevues semi-dirigées. Les données collectées ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de contenu. Les résultats de cette recherche permettent de constater une évolution significative dans la participation des commissaires-parents dans les prises de décision au sein des conseils des commissaires de deux CS de Québec. Alors que leur rôle était réduit à un pouvoir consultatif, depuis l'adoption du projet de loi 105 en 2016, les commissaires-parents prennent désormais une part active dans les décisions au sein des CS. De plus, la possession du droit de vote et l'augmentation de leur nombre apportent plus de légitimité et de reconnaissance aux commissaires-parents, mais également un rapport plus égalitaire entre les membres des instances décisionnelles des CS. Les résultats de notre thèse donnent une meilleure compréhension de l'implication politique des parents dans les instances de gouvernance intermédiaire de l'éducation. Ces résultats permettraient d'apporter les améliorations nécessaires pour valoriser le rôle des parents dans la gouvernance scolaire, notamment en instaurant une culture organisationnelle reconnaissant l'importante ressource que constituent les parents. / The general objective of this thesis is to understand the political participation of parents in the decision-making process of the councils of commissioners in Quebec, particularly since the adoption of Bill 105 amending the Public Education Act (PEA) in 2016. It is broken down into three specific objectives, each of which is divided into three scientific articles. The first specific objective (article 1) is to analyze the literature with a view to shedding light on parental participation in the governance of education in Quebec. More specifically, the aim is to describe, based on the existing literature, the perceptions of the various members of the decision-making bodies in the field of education on this participation of parents, but especially the factors that promote or hinder it. The results of the analysis of the twenty (20) publications retained at the end of this review reveal a divergence between the perceptions of parents and those of other school actors (teachers and school principals), who are often mixed as to the involvement of parents in decision-making, particularly on pedagogical issues. The results of this review also indicate that, despite the existence of several factors favouring parental participation, obstacles, often presented as being mainly linked to the parents themselves, limit their involvement in decision-making. The second specific objective (article 2) is to describe the power bases and political strategies used by parent commissioners to influence decision-making within the councils of commissioners in Quebec, particularly since the adoption of Bill 105 amending the Public Education Act (PEA). Using descriptive qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen (13) participants (6 parent commissioners, 4 elected commissioners, one director general and two assistant directors general) from two Quebec City area school boards. Results from a thematic content analysis show that parent commissioners have the structural and situational power bases to influence decision-making. The results also show that the political strategies deployed by parent commissioners are linked to their power bases and included using parents at the grassroots level as a source of relevant information and coalition building with other voting members. The third specific objective (article 3) is to understand the perceptions of parent commissioners, elected commissioners, and principals about the political participation of parents in decision-making on councils of commissioners since the passage of Bill 105 amending the Education Act. In order to achieve this objective, a multiple case study was conducted using the same school boards and the same sample as in Article 2 with whom we had conducted semi-structured interviews. The data collected was subjected to a content analysis. The results of this research reveal a significant evolution in the participation of parent commissioners in the decision-making process of the councils of commissioners of two Quebec City school boards. While their role was reduced to an advisory capacity since the adoption of Bill 105 in 2016, parent commissioners have now taken an active part in decisions within the SBs. Moreover, the possession of the right to vote and the increase in their number have brought more legitimacy and recognition to the parent commissioners, but also a more egalitarian relationship between the members of the decision-making bodies of the SBs. The results of our thesis provide a better understanding of the political involvement of parents in intermediate educational governance bodies. These results can be used to make the necessary improvements to enhance the role of parents in school governance, by establishing an organizational culture that recognizes the important resource that parents constitute.

The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of helicopter parenting and the motivation behind overinvolved parenting of college-aged children. The literature reviewed in this study includes factors that contribute to helicopter parenting in the higher education environment: Millennial characteristics, parental demographics, and technology. In addition, the privacy act, higher education rankings, and financial aid (i.e., tuition and enrolment management strategy), which contribute to the higher education environment, are discussed. Literature on why parents engage in helicopter parenting is limited. As such, this study helped to address this gap in research. Using a social constructivist approach, data were obtained using a qualitative, multi-instrument case study method. Five parents of female, undergraduate students at a Canadian university participated in the telephone interviews. This study found financial and emotional support were the foremost ways parents supported their children. Parents were motivated by their desire to offer guidance; need for connection and communication; and need to show and receive love. Parents who participated in parent programming offered by the university, regardless of the type of programming, found it to be beneficial. Future research is needed to study father-son dyads as well as explore the reciprocation of support, specifically emotional support, from students to parents.

by Kwong Sau Hung, Sandy. / Thesis (M.S.W.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-122). / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.4 / The Concept of Foster Care Service --- p.4 / Foster Care Service in Hong Kong --- p.7 / Local Studies on Foster Care Service --- p.15 / The Importance of Stable Foster Care Placement --- p.17 / Studies on Stable Foster Care Placement --- p.20 / Role Problems in Foster Care --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Conceptual Framework --- p.33 / Role Theory --- p.33 / Theoretical Framework --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Research Methodology --- p.40 / Research Questions --- p.41 / Definition and Measurement of Variables --- p.41 / Structure of Questionnaire --- p.46 / Study Design --- p.47 / Subject --- p.48 / Data Analysis --- p.48 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Results --- p.49 / Demographic Characteristics --- p.49 / Motivations and Fostering Experience --- p.56 / Psychometric Properties of Measurement --- p.61 / Measures of Major Variables --- p.62 / Relationship between Variables --- p.75 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Discussion --- p.82 / Demographic Characteristics --- p.82 / Motivations and Fostering Experience --- p.84 / Major Variables --- p.87 / Relationship between Variables --- p.97 / Limitations of the Study --- p.101 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusion --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Recommendations --- p.106 / Implication for Social Work Practice --- p.106 / Implication for Research --- p.112 / Bibliography --- p.114 / Appendix A Items Measuring Major Variables --- p.123 / Appendix B Questionnaire (Chinese Version) --- p.128 / Appendix C Questionnaire (English Version) --- p.137 / Appendix D Results of Open Ended Questions --- p.146

Despite widespread interest in patterns of parenting after separation in Australia, the gaps in our knowledge remain large and fundamental. Most studies, including those overseas, have taken a quantitative tack, measuring the frequency and overall amount of face-to-face contact between children and non-resident parents (mostly fathers). But obviously there is more to parent�child contact than just time. The nature and quality of the interaction are also important � perhaps even more so. Recently there has been a push towards recognising and describing both qualitative and quantitative differences in the many ways that parental sharing of time with children can occur after divorce. This thesis attempts to identify and explore some of these differences by comparing five different patterns of care: (i) 50/50 shared care, (ii) little or no contact, (iii) holiday-only contact, (iv) daytime-only contact, and (v) �standard� contact (thought to occur every-other-weekend and half of each school holidays). A representative snapshot of parent�child contact schedules after separation is presented to provide some of the detail of arrangements within this typology. Two (complementary) types of data are used: qualitative data from a series of focus groups with separated parents, and quantitative data from three large representative samples of separated/divorced parents in Australia. Joining the dots between the various pieces of data, there is much to suggest that family dynamics in tandem with demographic factors temper the form that parent�child contact takes, with different combinations of factors clearly linked to qualitatively different patterns of postseparation parenting. While separating parents need to be encouraged to think more laterally about what arrangements might work best for their children and themselves, the data presented suggest that some parents in Australia are already being very creative and there is much diversity of arrangements. The central argument running through this dissertation is that arrangements that allow children to experience fluid, meaningful time with each parent are critical for children�s and parents� wellbeing. The ideas and data presented here � especially some of the more creative timesharing schedules developed by parents � are likely to be a useful resource for separated parents, and the family law professionals they approach for assistance, to reflect on when developing or refining parenting arrangements after divorce.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept of Marriage, Family, and Human Development, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 31-39).