Parental Expectations Research Articles

Prenatal imaging - role of fetal MRI.

Congenital abnormalities occur in about 3 in 100 fetuses. Prenatal ultrasound is the standard technique to detect these fetal abnormalities. In Germany, three ultrasound examinations are provided in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as an adjunct technique to provide further information in cases of congenital abnormalities.A literature search was performed on PubMed focusing on publications that used fetal MRI as a secondary approach after prenatal ultrasound.MRI is a safe imaging method that does not harm the fetus when used during pregnancy. Some publications with experts in radiology show a very clear diagnostic advantage with respect to performing MRI on fetuses with brain abnormalities, while other publications with experts in neurosonography do not find the advantage to be that evident. Both techniques are clearly user-dependent.Fetal MRI can supplement the information obtained by fetal ultrasound and can provide additional information or exclude others. Diagnosis made by an interdisciplinary cooperation based on all available ultrasound and MRI findings is the key to optimal imaging and advice for expectant parents. · Fetal MRI poses no risk for the fetus.. · MRI aids prenatal ultrasound in the evaluation of prenatal findings.. · Tavares de Sousa M, Schönnagel BP, Denecke J et al. Prenatal imaging - role of fetal MRI. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2357-6997.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

This study investigated parental involvement and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational research design. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The population of the study comprised of 35,555 public senior secondary school students in the area. The sample size was 395 senior secondary school students which was determined using Taro Yamane Scientific Method. The study adopted the use of simple random sampling technique for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, titled: “Parental Involvement and Career Aspiration Questionnaire’’ (PICAQ). The instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test re-test reliability method which a reliability index of r=0.77. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was high positive relationship between parental expectation, parental support, parent-child relationship and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. It further revealed that there was significant relationship between parental expectation, parental support, parent-child relationship and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was recommended among others that; career guidance interactions should start in the early years of schooling in order to avert negative parental influences and build proper career aspirations among students.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention: Perception and willingness of expectant parents in the Netherlands

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant respiratory disease. Recent approval of preventive measures like a long-acting monoclonal antibody and a maternal vaccine signals a potential shift in early-life RSV infection control. However, success hinges on acceptance. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women and partners in the Netherlands, recruited via healthcare professionals, social media platforms, and the 9-Months Fair. The survey assessed willingness and motivation for maternal RSV vaccination and neonatal RSV immunization, including strategy preferences and informational needs. ResultsIn total 1001 pregnant women (mean age: 31.1 years) and their partners (mean age: 33.2 years) completed the survey. On average, they were 24 weeks pregnant at the time, and 54.6 % had no other children yet. The majority was Dutch-born (95.2 % of women); with 68.3 % of women having completed higher education and with overall strong pro-vaccination attitudes (93.9 % of partners intended to vaccinate their expected newborn). The overall acceptability to vaccination and immunization was high, with 87 % of respondents indicating they would (likely) accept both strategies. A positive attitude towards both methods was associated with previous experience with severity of RSV, intention to vaccinate the newborn and parental vaccination status during childhood and current pregnancy. When the choice was given, the majority of participants, in particular those with children and the intention to breastfeed, favoured maternal vaccination over passive immunization of infants (75.3 % of the pregnant and 71.6 % of the partners). A majority of the respondents cited optimal protection for the child and knowledge of RSV as important factors for accepting RSV prophylaxis. ConclusionsWhile most participants would accept both strategies for RSV protection of their infant, a majority, especially those with other children, favoured maternal vaccination, due to concerns about infant safety and awareness of RSV severity.

Parental awareness and perspectives on newborn screening in China: a questionnaire-based study

BackgroundLow parental awareness and knowledge about newborn screening have been identified as a public issue. This study explored Chinese parents’ self-evaluation of awareness, knowledge, and methods of receiving information about newborn screening.MethodsUsing convenience sampling, we included 614 respondents who were expectant parents or parents of children aged 0-3 years. Our self-made questionnaire comprised four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, self-evaluation of awareness, detailed knowledge about newborn screening, and practical and expected methods of receiving newborn screening information.ResultsWe found that 72.9% of participants were classified as aware of newborn screening. However, only 14.2% of the participants received a passing score on the newborn screening detailed knowledge questions. Knowledge level about newborn screening was significantly associated with gender (P < .001), age (P < .05), education level (P < .05), residence (P < .05), family income (P < .05), and number of children (P < .05). The knowledge acquisition about newborn screening mainly came from hospital-related training (62.1%). Additionally, nearly half of the respondents (48.0%) expressed a preference for learning more about newborn screening through social media platforms, such as WeChat.ConclusionsWhile the majority of expectant or new parents were aware of newborn screening, only a minority had a thorough understanding of it. Various sociodemographic factors were associated with the level of parental knowledge about newborn screening. It is recommended to use hospital lectures or social media initiatives to educate parents in China.

Month of Birth, Early Academic Achievement, and Parental Expectations of University Completion: A New Test on Sticky Expectations

Previous studies have shown that educational expectations of individuals with high socioeconomic status (SES) are relatively unaffected by low academic performance, a phenomenon called “sticky expectations.” However, this result might be biased by endogeneity and reverse causality between academic achievement and educational expectations. Using data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study from 11 countries with a strict school-entry rule and building on the well-established finding that children born in the months before the school-entry cutoff underperform at school, we use birth month as an instrument to identify the causal effect of early academic achievement on parents’ expectations of university completion by parental education. Our findings based on the instrumental variable (IV) regression show that the moderation of social origin in the relationship between children’s performance and parental expectations is moderately overestimated in cross-sectional data. Nonetheless, the stickiness of high-SES parental expectations is confirmed in the IV model, proving that parental expectations are less affected by children’s early achievement when the parents are highly educated.

Hubungan Persepsi Terhadap Harapan Orang Tua dengan Stres Akademik pada Siswa Kelas Unggul Tahfidz di MTsN X Bukitinggi

This study aims to investigate the correlation between perception of parental expectations and academic stress in tahfidz class students in MTsN 1 Bukittinggi city. This study uses a correlational quantitative method. Data collection was carried out offline by distributing questionnaires. The technique in taking samples was carried out in total sampling, involving 95 students from the superior class of tahfidz grades 7, 8, and 9 as participants. The data produced was analyzed using a product moment correlation test. The results of this study showed a significant positive correlation between students' perception of parents' expectations and the level of academic stress among students of the superior class of tahfidz in MTsN 1 Bukittinggi City, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.705. This shows that the higher the perception related to parental expectations, the higher the academic stress of tahfidz class students in MTsN 1 Bukittinggi City.

18. SLEEP QUALITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS AGED 15-17 IN DA NANG, 2024: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: (1) To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders among adolescents aged 15 to 17 years; (2) To analyze factors associated with sleep quality in adolescents aged 15 to 17 years. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Among Adolescents aged 15-17 years old at Hoa Vang High School we collected 737 eligible participants for the study. Main Outcome Measures: Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Associations between Sleep quality were evaluated with multivariable conditional logistic regression controlling for gender, exercise habits, sleep hygiene habits, pressure and expectations about academic performance (parental expectations, pressure for achievement, completing homework, extra classes). Results: The sleep quality of adolescents aged 15-17 at Hòa Vang High School is alarmingly low, with PSQI scores averaging 5.5±3.3 for 10th-grade students (15 years old), 6.1±3.3 for 11th grade (16 years old), and 6.4±3.5 for 12th grade (17 years old). The findings show that 47.5% of students have poor sleep quality, with a trend of worsening sleep quality with age. Additionally, most study participants go to bed relatively late. Factors associated with poor sleep quality include being female, excessive phone use before bed, academic pressure, homework load, and hours spent on daily extra classes. Addressing this issue requires appropriate sleep education and awareness for both students and parents. Conclusion: This study indicates an alarmingly low level of sleep quality among students at Hoa Vang High School, with a significant proportion experiencing poor sleep quality, and highlights several associated factors.

Parental expectations and perceptions of augmentative and alternative communication: A Sri Lankan perspective.

Everybody has a right to communicate in any way they can, which includes augmentative and alternative communication. The uptake of augmentative and alternative communication in everyday life may be influenced by awareness, perceptions and acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication by caregivers, family members and the wider society. This study aimed to uncover what parents thought about augmentative and alternative communication in a Global South context. Eleven mothers and five fathers (16 participants) of children with complex communication needs were included. Data were collected using an interview guide from a focus-group discussion and semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using Framework Analysis and from a gender and critical disability theory viewpoint. The key theme found was fear of augmentative and alternative communication stopping the child from learning to speak. The parents wondered if siblings might also use the alternative communication method and stop talking. They worried whether the communication device will negatively highlight their child in society. As parents' views on augmentative and alternative communication influence whether they use it with their child, informing and preparing parents before introducing augmentative and alternative communication to a child and on-going parent training should be considered.

Priorities of the Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Population: An International Study on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

Background/Objectives: Overall priorities of the international pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) population are unknown. The purpose was to describe and compare Life and Health (L&amp;H) domain overall priorities of European youth with SCI and their parents and caregivers (P&amp;C). Methods: A survey with a cross-sectional design, prepared by the PEPSCI Collaboration, was conducted in six European countries. In total, 202 participants, including youth with SCI (n = 101) and their P&amp;C (n = 101), were included. Overall priorities were calculated based on unhappiness, importance, and research. Results: The sample included youth aged 8–12 years (30.7%) and 13–25 years (69.3%; 38.6% 13–17-year-olds and 30.7% youth aged 18–25 years), in addition to their P&amp;C. The top three L&amp;H priorities highlighted by P&amp;C of the youth aged 8–12 years were “bladder” function (78%), “leg/foot movement” (77%), or “bowel” function (74%), compared with “leg/foot movement” (79%), “sit-to-stand” (76%), or “walking/ability to move” (75%) reported by P&amp;C of the youth aged 13–25 years. The youth aged 13–25 years considered “leg/foot movement” (68%), “bowel” (66%), or “bladder” function (65%) as priorities. The top 10 priorities highlighted by the youth aged 13–25 years compared to the top 10 priorities rated by P&amp;C were issues related to “personal needs”. Nevertheless, “pressure injuries”, “pain”, “bowel function”, or “mobility in the community” were highlighted as top preferences of priorities for the youth aged 13–25 years compared to their P&amp;C. Conclusions: Adolescents/young adults highlighted health domain priorities compared with their P&amp;C, who equally considered L&amp;H domains. Life domains, which were previously unaddressed, were highlighted by P&amp;C, including “adulthood expectations” and “parenthood expectations”. This survey will promote the involvement of stakeholders for comprehensive rehabilitation management for this population.

Participant Perspectives on a Community Health Worker Intervention to Reduce Infant Mortality: A Mixed Methods Assessment of the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership.

Healthy Start is an initiative to reduce infant mortality and improve birth equity throughout the US, in large part by deploying community health workers (CHWs) to conduct home visits and provide educational and emotional support to new and expectant parents. A mixed-methods assessment of the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership (BxHSP) was conducted as part of a quality improvement initiative to understand client perspectives regarding the impact ofBxHSP on short- and intermediate-term outcomes that affect long-term well-being. Phone interviews (n = 16) and online surveys (n = 62) were conducted in English and Spanish with BxHSP participants in 2020 and 2022. The interview sample was selected purposefully; interview participants were eligible if they gave birth prior to mid-March 2020 and had received at least one CHW home visit. All individuals with open BxHSP cases (n = 379) were invited to complete the survey. Findings suggest thatBxHSP CHWs can provide vital psychosocial, material, and educational resources that help engaged participants feel supported as new parents and develop knowledge and skills related to infant care. Results further suggest that these short-term outcomes contribute to lower stress, increased self-efficacy, and health-promoting infant care practices, enabling participants to feel more confident and capable as new parents. Findings underscore how programs likeBxHSP can help address gaps in resources and improve health and well-being for pregnant and postpartum participants. Limitations include possible selection, recall, and/or social desirability biases as response rates were low and data were self-reported and retrospective. Limitations were addressed in part through triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data.

Role of school wellbeing, personality traits, parental involvement and family norms in relation to immigrant–native educational gaps. A longitudinal study from Denmark

ABSTRACT This study leverages a unique combination of PISA survey data and Danish registry data to explore the educational gaps in Denmark between adolescents with native and non-Western immigrant backgrounds, focussing on personality traits, school wellbeing, parental involvement and family norms. The study investigates gaps in GPA at age 16 and in length of final education at around age 30. Key findings indicate that parental involvement and family norms significantly mediate the immigrant–native GPA gap, while personality traits do not significantly explain the immigrant–native gaps. Furthermore, the immigrant–native gap in length of final education at age 30 is more than fully explained when accounting for adolescence socio-economic characteristics and parental expectations and involvement.

Treatment motivation, psychosocial impact, and perfectionism in children and adult orthodontic patients: A cross-sectional study

With a shift in orthodontics from a more traditional biomedical model toward a more biopsychosocial model, orthodontists must understand their patients' psychological condition. This study aimed to investigate treatment motivation, psychosocial impact from malocclusion, and perfectionism in children and adult orthodontic patients and to examine the relationships among these various factors. A total of 193 participants (114 children and 79 adults) were included. All participants completed a treatment motivation questionnaire, Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), and self-perceived Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Malocclusion severity was assessed using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need by 1 orthodontist. Statistically significant differences were found between children and adults regarding motivation concerning function, PIDAQ total, as well as subscores except for dental self-confidence (P<0.01) and subscores of FMPS, such as concerns over mistakes and parental expectations (P<0.05). The multiple regression analysis demonstrated a direct relationship between PIDAQ and age, gender, total FMPS, self-perceived Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, and motivation (P<0.01). Adults anticipate greater improvement in oral function and experience greater negative psychosocial impact from malocclusion compared with children. Orthodontic patients with higher age, being female, high level of perfectionism, or negative self-perception of dental esthetics are associated with greater negative psychosocial impact from malocclusion. In addition, patients experiencing a greater negative psychosocial impact tend to have a strong motivation for orthodontic treatment.

Parental expectations of school counsellors and their role in supporting student mental health and wellbeing: A qualitative study

Parental expectations of school counsellors and their role in supporting student mental health and wellbeing: A qualitative study

Work life balance: Exploring well-being of Working Mothers in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab Pakistan

This study highlights the problems faced by working mothers due to dual responsibilities. Many factors contributed to these problems like lack of cooperation from family, long duty hours, parenting, traditional values and gender role expectations. A sample of 150 long working hours mothers of government and private sectors from the study areas of Dera Ghazi Khan was taken through double stage sampling technique. Working mothers felt difficulty in maintaining work-life balance. They experienced health issues like less energy, fatigue, high blood pressure and strained relationships with family and colleagues. Long duty hours affect the child and mother relationship. Stressful environment leads to psychological issues like stress, burnout, poor sleep quality, lose temper, anxiety, hypertension and low productivity. Results also showed longer the working hours were associated with hypertension, stress and burnout. Less cooperation from family was associated with poor work life balance. Poor work life balance was associated with high blood pressure. It is suggested that for the well-being of working mothers work sectors should arrange flexible working hours, supportive work place environment, self-care courses, time management skills, and family leave policies.

Tracking adolescent students’ educational pathways to university through school engagement, parental expectations, and student aspirations

Although improvements have been made in terms of enhancing the number of students that enrol in higher education, the long-term educational pathways of adolescents to university studies are understudied. This calls for further research into the mechanisms that underpin the long-term educational pathways of adolescents who study at university versus those who do not. The present study examines an innovative model that tracks adolescents’ educational pathways to university in England through the developmental dynamics of emotional school engagement, parental educational expectations, and adolescent aspirations. The data came from 9173 adolescents (51.63% female) from six waves of the Next Steps cohort study in England. The data were analysed using longitudinal structural equation modelling and cross-lagged panel modelling. The results of random-intercept cross-lagged panel modelling revealed positive within-person reciprocal relations between emotional engagement, parental educational expectations, and adolescent university aspirations only between specific ages. Latent regression analysis showed that greater levels of sustained parental expectations, emotional school engagement, and adolescent university aspirations were linked to greater likelihood of pursuing university-entrance exams (A-Levels, age 17). Sustained engagement had only an indirect effect on university attendance via university-entrance exams and educational persistence (age 18). Sustained high parental educational expectations were the most direct and robust predictor of adolescents’ university attendance. The findings underscore a synergistic effect between sustained parental expectations, emotional school engagement, and adolescent university aspirations as the mechanisms that lead adolescents to university studies.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Double Reduction Policy in Alleviating Student Pressure

Abstract: The Chinese government launched the Double Reduction Policy in 2021, which aims to reduce the excessive academic burden on primary and secondary school students by limiting homework and regulating extracurricular tutoring. The policy was implemented in response to growing concerns about the immense academic pressure students face, which has led to widespread anxiety, sleep deprivation and mental health problems. This paper explores the effects of the double reduction policy on students' academic stress and its limitations. The findings show that although the double reduction policy has achieved some success in reducing students' learning burdens both in and out of school, increasing sleep time, and alleviating anxiety and depression, its effectiveness is limited by the variability of after-school services in schools and the persistence of parents' demand for tutorials. In addition, social prejudice against vocational education and the competitive nature of higher education admissions have not alleviated students' academic pressure. This paper argues that more efforts are needed in the equitable distribution of educational resources, increased recognition of vocational education, and adjustment of parental expectations to reduce students' pressure further.

Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome Among Medical Students

Background: The mental health of medical students is a matter of concern due to the heavy study load that begins with the bachelor’s degree program, progresses through the professional phase, and continues into the internship period. Approximately 49% of medical students in the USA and between 28%-61% in Australia experience burnout. Potential factors such as responsibilities for completing assignments, parental expectations, efforts to maintain grades, and academic competition can lead to burnout syndrome. If individuals are unable to adapt to and manage prolonged stress, it can result in maladaptive behavior.Aims: The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among medical students at the University of Muhammadiyah Semarang.Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted using primary data collected through the Maslach Burnout Syndrome Inventory. A total sampling technique was used with respondents from the medical professional study program during the 2022-2023 academic year. Those with psychiatric disorders, consuming sedatives, or absent during the study period were excluded.Results: Out of 135 participants, the incidence of burnout syndrome showed that 77.0% experienced low emotional exhaustion, 11.9% moderate, and 11.1% high. Depersonalization cases were 80.7% low, 9.6% moderate, and 9.6% high. Personal accomplishment was reported as 37.0% low, 17.0% moderate, and 45.9% high.Conclusion: The incidence of burnout syndrome among the respondents predominantly featured low in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and high personal achievement. Keywords: burnout syndrome, depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, medical student, personal accomplishment

A pilot study of Chinese parents’ perceptions of friendships in autistic children

Objectives Previous research has reported that parental perceptions and expectations regarding friendship for their autistic children varies across different cultural contexts, but investigations of parents’ attitudes towards their autistic children’s friendships in eastern cultures are scarce. Settled in the unique collectivistic culture in China, the purpose of this study was to explore Chinese parents’ perceptions and expectations of friendships for their autistic children. Methods A qualitative research method was adopted in this pilot study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 parents regarding their perceptions, expectations, and perceived barriers to friendship development in their autistic children (n = 11, age mean = 9.18). Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. Results The results revealed that Chinese parents generally perceived a low level of their children’s friendship status and that they hold low expectations for their children’s friendship development. Additionally, cognitive and environmental barriers were identified as the major obstacles to friendship development for children with autism. Conclusions This pilot study investigated how Chinese parents of autistic children perceive their children’s friendship and identified social and cultural barriers to the development of their autistic children. It highlighted the need for cultural investigations in future research to promote efficient friendship development in autistic children.

Brand Trust, Perceived Quality, and Parental Decision-Making: A Study of International School Selection in Chiang Mai

Background and Aim: This research investigates the factors influencing parents' decision-making process when choosing international schools in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. With the increasing popularity of international education in Thailand, understanding the key determinants of school choice is crucial for both parents and educational institutions. This study focuses on the impact of brand trust and perceived brand quality on parental decision-making, aiming to provide valuable insights for school operators and stakeholders to develop competitive strategies and enhance educational services. Materials and Methods: The study employs a quantitative research design with a convenience sampling technique. Data is collected from parents of children attending or considering 21 international schools in Chiang Mai through a structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire assesses brand trust, perceived brand quality, and their influence on the school choice decision-making process. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the relationships between these variables. Results: The findings reveal that both brand trust and perceived brand quality significantly influence parental decision-making. Brand trust emerges as the strongest predictor, indicating that parents prioritize the credibility and reputation of international schools. Perceived brand quality also plays a crucial role, as parents associate high-quality brands with superior educational outcomes. The study demonstrates that these two factors collectively account for a substantial portion of the variance in parental choices. Conclusion: This research confirms the importance of brand management for international schools in Chiang Mai Province. By focusing on building brand trust and enhancing perceived brand quality, schools can effectively attract and retain students. The study's findings offer valuable guidance for school administrators and marketers in developing targeted strategies to meet the evolving needs and expectations of parents in the international education market.

Parental expectations of residential immersive life skills programs for youth with disabilities and their perception of youth changes

Purpose This study explored parents’ expectations before their youth with a disability attended a Residential Immersive Life Skills (RILS) program, and perceptions of youth change over the following 12 months. Understanding expectations is important because parents play a key role in shaping their youth’s ongoing development and future hopes when they return home. Methods A secondary analysis of qualitative interviews with 13 parents was conducted using a recurrent cross-sectional analysis approach at three time-points: before youth attended a RILS program, and three and 12 months post-program. Results Before the RILS program, most parents focused on “concrete” life skills (e.g., self-care, budgeting), with some hoping for more youth self-awareness. After three months, many expectations were exceeded, leading some parents to re-evaluate their youth’s future. By 12 months, expectations had evolved further, although some parents expressed disappointment in perceived lack of change. Many parental expectations had been initially implicit and unstated. Conclusions Exploring parental expectations of RILS programs is critical, as parents can both enhance and diminish their youth’s personal growth and future aspirations. Parents should understand how RILS programs may (or may not) change both the youth and the family dynamic upon return home.