Stephan M. Wilson

The Impact of Parental Support, Behavioral Control, and Psychological Control on the Academic Achievement and Self-Esteem of African American and European American Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between adolescent functioning (i.e., self-esteem and academic achievement) and parental support, behavioral control, and psychological control in European American and African American adolescents. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that supportive behaviors of African American mothers toward their adolescent children positively predicted both self-esteem and academic achievement. Psychological control was significantly related to adolescent self-esteem in both the models of paternal parenting (African American and European American) and maternal parenting (African American). In addition, among European American adolescents, behavioral control was a significant predictor of academic achievement and self-esteem. This study provides support for the methodological value of examining the parenting dimensions independently as opposed to combining them to form parenting styles.

Family of Origin Influences on Late Adolescent Romantic Relationships.

Using Bowenian theory as a foundation, this study examined the hypothesis that properties of close relationships are transmitted from one generation to the next. A large sample of single, never married, late adolescents (N = 977) completed measures regarding trait anxiety, family dynamics (triangulation, fusion, and control) in the family of origin, and communication patterns in romantic relationships. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that fusion and control were associated with higher anxiety. In addition, fusion and control in the family of origin were related to communication in romantic relationships of late adolescents. In accordance with Bowenian theory, anxiety mediated the effects of fusion and control in the family of origin on romantic relationships. Although triangulation in the family of origin was unrelated to anxiety, triangulation was related to aversive communication in close relationships. The findings provide partial confirmation and suggest several extensions to Bowens theory of intergenerational transmission.

Family of origin influences on young adult career decision problems: A test of bowenian theory

Abstract This study tested the ability of Bowenian family systems theory to explain career decision problems in young adults. Bowenian theory asserts that anxiety is the mediator of dysfunctional family dynamics and career decision problems. A sample of 1,006 young adults completed self-report measures of fusion, triangulation, and intimidation, trait anxiety, and career decision problems. Path analysis was used to test a model wherein anxiety mediates the effects of dysfunctional family patterns on career-decision-making problems. Analyses supported the mediating role of anxiety for fusion and intimidation; triangulation was not related to career decision problems. Implications for family therapists are discussed.

Attitudes toward parenting strategies, potential for child abuse, and parental satisfaction of ethnically diverse low-income U.S. mothers

Abstract Among a sample of 176 low-income mothers from 3 ethnic groups in the United States, the authors investigated ethnic differences in attitudes toward preferred parenting strategies, or styles; ethnic differences in the potential for child abuse; and the relationship between parenting strategies, the potential for child abuse, and parental satisfaction. They distributed the Maternal Reactions to Childs Deviant Behavior subscale (K. M. Rickard, W. Graziano, & R. Forehand, 1984), a shortened version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI; J. S. Milner & R. C. Wimberley, 1979), and a Parental Satisfaction Scale (N. P. Medora, S. M. Wilson, & J. Larson, 1996) to the participants. The results indicated no significant ethnic differences in preferred parenting styles. Mothers from all 3 ethnic groups ranked praise and reasoning as the 1st and 2nd preferred parenting strategies. There were no ethnic differences in the perceived potential for child abuse. Parental satisfaction was negatively related to 2 of the CAPI subscales-Loneliness and Problems. The parenting strategy reasoning was positively correlated with parental satisfaction.

Parental Power Bases and Processes as Predictors of Adolescent Conformity

The purpose of this study was to examine how dimensions of parental power bases and processes predicted adolescent conformity to parental expectations. Questionnaire data were collected from a stratified random sample of 368 adolescents. Multiple regression was the statistical test used to analyze the data. Results from this study indicated that several dimensions of parental power bases and processes were significant predictors of adolescent coniformity. In addition, female adolescents demonstrated greater conformity than male adolescents. A major conclusion drawn from these findings was that social power theory provides a solid theoreticalfoundation for examining parental qualities as predictors of adolescent conformity.

The effects of perceived dysfunctional family-of-origin rules on the dating relationships of young adults

This study examined the effects of perceived dysfunctional family-of-origin rules on the dating relationships of young adult offspring. A sample of 322 students from three universities completed self-report questionnaires measuring dysfunctional family-of-origin rules, current dating behaviors, dating anxiety, relationship satisfaction and commitment. The results indicated that dysfunctional family-of-origin rules were positively related to dating anxiety, and negatively related to advancement in dating stages, relationship satisfaction, and commitment in the dating relationships of young adults. There also was a tendency for young adults from families with dysfunctional rules to date later and less frequently than young adults from families with more functional rules, although they dated about the same number of partners. Implications for future research and clinical interventions are discussed.

Dating Behaviors, Attitudes, and Relationships Satisfaction of Young Adult Children of Alcoholics

Abstract The dating behaviors, attitudes, and relationship satisfaction of a nonclinical sample of single young adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) (n = 172) were compared to a sample of nonACOAs (n = 771). Subjects completed measures of dating behaviors, anxiety, intimacy, trust, commitment and relationship satisfaction. ACOAs began dating at a significantly younger age and dated significantly fewer individuals than nonACOAs. They also reported significantly more dating anxiety than nonACOAs. Male ACOAs reported less commitment, intellectual intimacy, trust and relationship satisfaction than male nonACOAs. Compared to nonACOAs, female ACOAs reported no differences on these variables. The results provide some support for research suggesting that ACOAs may experience difficulties in their opposite-sex intimate relationships.

The assessment of family wellness in a university employee wellness program.

Optimal health consists of a balance of physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social health? Physical health includes fitness, good nutrition, proper use of medications, and control of substance abuse. Emotional health involves adaptation in emotional crises (e.g., loss of a loved one) and stress management. Spiritual wellness refers to the development of love, hope, charity, and a sense of purpose in life. Intellectual wellness includes achievement, the attainment of the appropriate education for life’s work, continuing education, and career development. Social wellness involves good community relationships, friendships, and healthy family functioning.

Sexuality education for young children: The role of parents

An important component of family life is sexuality education. Being comfortable with ones sexuality is an essential component of individual and family wellness. To this end, parents and teachers who intend to assist in young childrens sexuality education must be comfortable and well informed.

DYADIC ADJUSTMENT: AN ECOSYSTEMIC EXAMINATION

Abstract This study examined the relationship of background, individual, and family influences on dyadic adjustment, using an ecological perspective. Data from 102 married couples were used. Bivariate and multi-variate analyses were used to examine hypotheses. For both husbands and wives, overall stress, emotional health, number of marriage and family problems, and family life satisfaction were significantly related to dyadic adjustment in bivariate correlations. For wives, physical health was also significantly related to dyadic adjustment in bivariate correlations, whereas for husbands, age at current marriage was significantly related to dyadic adjustment in bivariate correlations. Analyses were conducted in a three-step hierarchical procedure, examining background variables, then individual variables, and last family variables. Age at marriage (for husbands), emotional health (for wives), and number of marriage and family problems as well as family life satisfaction (for both husbands and wives) were ...