Parents Of Youth Research Articles

“If Extended Family Can’t Deal…” Disclosing Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Children’s Identity

Parents are core decision-makers and advocates for their pre-adolescent transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) children, yet there is a dearth of research on their experiences, particularly their relationships with extended family members. This study explored how parents make decisions of whether or not to disclose their children’s TGNC identity to extended family members. In Phase 1, 34 parents of TGNC youth under the age of 13 described in interviews their experiences pertaining to disclosure of their child’s TGNC status to extended family members. Phase 2 replicated and expanded these findings with 11 additional parents. Across both phases, two disclosure processes were identified: casual unfolding disclosure, where parents allowed extended family members to witness their child’s TGNC identity development, or explicit direct disclosure, in which parents wrote mailed or emailed letters to help organize their thoughts and direct the course of the conversation. Parents avoided disclosure to select family members, based on five factors: geographical or emotional distance, age, and how conservative or religious family members were. While some relationships were strengthened with disclosure, many parents described tense or unsupportive relationships with extended family members, and some relationships dissolved. The findings suggest extended family members are both potential supporters and stressors, and parents engage in a variety of strategies to bolster their supportive networks while anticipating rejection and mitigating stress. These findings have implications for social work research, practice, and policy.

Workforce participation of parents of children and youth with mental health difficulties: the impact of community services and supports

ABSTRACT This study explored the effects of demands related to caring for children and youth with mental health difficulties and of resources in community ecologies including health services, schools, neighborhoods, and social supports, on parental workforce participation. Through secondary analysis of U.S. data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, we found that when children’s mental health issues were more severe, parents experienced frustration with their ability to get services and spent more time providing health care, they were less likely to be employed. Community factors were critical: employed parents reported more frequent contact from the school system, and fewer days that their child missed school. When family members spent more time providing and arranging for health care, were frustrated in their attempts to get services, and reported children missing more school, they cut back their work hours or stopped working. We concluded that parent workforce disengagement patterns were related to demands of exceptional care and to the lack of available community resources. As employers struggle to retain talented workforces, the diversity of employees raising a child or youth with a disabling health condition must be acknowledged, and community supports strengthened.

Latinx Parents' Perceptions of Neighborhood Walking Safety for Their Youth With Intellectual Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Investigation.

Increased walking distance and frequency has been linked to positive health outcomes. Neighborhood walkability disproportionately impacts youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We investigated concerns of Latinx parents of youth with IDD about walkability and their impact on families' walking behavior. We surveyed Latinx parents of youth with IDD (n = 21) and compared results with the general population. Results were triangulated with a focus group (n = 5). Survey data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test, and focus group data via thematic analysis. We found a significant difference (P < .05) between parents of youth with IDD and the general population on perceived aesthetics, opportunity to participate, and satisfaction. Latinx parents and their youth with IDD experience disparities in the safety and pleasantness of their communities for walking, which may contribute to decreased community participation, poorer health outcomes, and lower levels of neighborhood satisfaction among this already vulnerable population.

Transition preparation activities and expectations for the transition to adulthood among parents of autistic youth

BackgroundParents of autistic youth are highly involved in the transition preparation process, yet the role and influence of parental factors and perceptions is underexplored. In the current study, we aimed to expand understanding of transition preparation and the role and influence of parental factors for autistic youth including perceptions of the likelihood (i.e., parent expectations), importance, and parental influence over postsecondary outcomes as well as parental self-efficacy, parent stress, and parent concerns for the future. MethodWe surveyed 269 parents of autistic youth (ages 14–21, 78.2 % male) who did not have co-occurring intellectual disability. We used linear regression analyses to examine youth and parent predictors of the frequency of transition preparation activities, parents’ overall sense of preparation, and parental worry about the future. We also qualitatively analyzed open-ended responses about parent concerns. ResultsThe most frequently endorsed transition preparation activities were discussions about the future and chores. Parental factors were associated with greater frequency of transition preparation activities, greater overall sense of preparation for the transition, and less overall worry. Key areas of parent concern were related to youth independence, social life, employment/finances, autism features, safety, happiness, and health. ConclusionsThe results of this study have implications for education and interventions focused on supporting autistic youth and their parents for the transition to adulthood. There is a need for transition-related interventions that focus on parents and on particular instruction for raising expectations, enhancing parent self-efficacy, and increasing parental sense of control over outcomes.

When Low Blood Sugars Cause High Anxiety: Fear of Hypoglycemia Among Parents of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectivesHypoglycemia is the most common acute complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the potential short- and long-term sequelae can cause children and parents to develop significant fear of hypoglycemia (FOH). FOH and associated anxiety can be disruptive to activities of daily living and lead to reduced quality of life. We sought to determine the extent of FOH among parents of children with T1D within our clinic and to identify factors associated with greater FOH. MethodsTwo hundred sixty-four parents of youth (2 to 18 years of age; mean ± standard deviation, 12.4±3.5 years) with T1D completed a survey that included demographic and disease-specific questions, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey---Parent version (HFS-P). ResultsOf the 264 participants, 207 completed the full HFS-P, with a mean score of 67±19 (range, 31 to 119). The most frequent worries related to the child being hypoglycemic while alone or asleep. Higher HFS-P scores were also associated with more frequent and severe hypoglycemic episodes, higher state-trait anxiety scores, use of a continuous glucose monitor and more frequent blood glucose checks. Higher HFS-P scores were also associated with worse parental sleep quality and less parental engagement with treatment plans. ConclusionsParents of children with T1D experience FOH, especially during times of high vulnerability. Moreover, FOH could potentially impact clinical care (with parents being reluctant to administer suggested insulin doses) and quality of life (due to parental/child sleep disruption). Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing FOH in parents of youth with T1D.

50 Bridging the gap between education and health: What youth need educators to know about chronic pain

Abstract Background Chronic pain is common and affects 20% of children and youth. Those with chronic pain often have a difficult time regularly attending school, with up to 50% of children and youth with chronic pain missing some school. Specific accommodations that benefit youth are unknown. Nearly half of parents of youth with chronic pain report their child’s grades dropped since pain onset. Both parents and youth report “moderate levels of interference” with learning. Most common accommodations include being sent to the nurse, being sent home and receiving extensions on assignments. While these strategies may be helpful for pain conditions expected to resolve, strategies that support staying in and succeeding at school are required for youth with chronic pain. Objectives This study aims to determine what educators need to know to best support youth with chronic pain in the academic setting. More specifically, 1) to determine what youth with chronic pain, parents of youth, educators, and healthcare professionals want educators to know about supporting students with chronic pain, and 2) to describe health professionals’ and educators’ attitudes and knowledge of pediatric chronic pain. Design/Methods Inclusion criteria include youth age 12-25 years with chronic pain and parents, health professionals and educators of youth with chronic pain. The recruitment strategy includes distribution of the survey via the Saskatchewan pediatric chronic pain clinic research contact lists, the Canadian Paediatric Society Section of Community Paediatrics listserve and social media. This online cross-sectional survey includes participant demographics and questions about accommodations noted to be helpful for youth with chronic pain. In addition, educator and health professional surveys include the 26-item Chronic Pain Myth Scale (CPMS). Results The study group includes 87 participants, 26 youth, 18 family/friends, 19 educators, and 24 health professionals. Some suggested school accommodations include: access to technology in class, teachers providing notes for students, education on chronic pain for teachers and students, and improved communication and collaboration between the youth, their healthcare team and educators. The majority of health professionals and educators report some knowledge, positive beliefs and attitudes towards people suffering from chronic pain (M=3.03, SD= .34). Conclusion Chronic pain is common and affects school attendance and achievement. Suggestions for accommodations to help those with chronic pain in the academic setting are made. Educators and health professionals indicated varying levels of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, with some educators indicating they would like to receive education about chronic pain. Improved communication between school-based pupil support teams and health care teams is warranted.

Understanding Parent Support for Physical Activity among Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities: A Behaviour Change Theory Perspective

Parent support facilitates physical activity among children and youth with disabilities (CYD). Parent physical activity support is a behaviour unto itself which requires motivation and effort, yet its predictors are not well understood. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework, the study aimed to identify predictors of physical activity support among parents of CYD (N = 95; 83.2% female). TPB and M-PAC variables were assessed, followed by parent physical activity support behaviour four weeks later. Regression analysis identified TPB (i.e., perceived behavioural control for child physical activity, intention) and M-PAC (i.e., behavioural regulation, habit, and identity) predictors of parent physical activity support. The inclusion of M-PAC variables into the model explained an additional 18% variance in parent physical activity support. There is value in understanding both pre- and post-intentional predictors of parent physical activity support. This study can inform future research and interventions to support parent physical activity support to facilitate physical activity among CYD.

The Relational Context of School Engagement and Associations With Youth Behaviors

Youth in foster care face many academic risks, including diminished engagement in school and behavior problems that further threaten learning and academic achievement. However, school engagement is responsive to contextual change, leaving many opportunities to intervene upon school engagement and boost overall functioning. The present study examines the mediating and moderating potential of aspects within the relational context of school engagement and academically threatening behaviors, using a national sample of adolescent foster youth. Findings indicate that greater school engagement and more positive perceptions of relationships with both peers and foster parents were associated with lower self-reported internalizing, and lower self- and caregiver-reported externalizing behaviors. Peer relationships moderated the association between school engagement and youth-reported externalizing, and foster parent–youth relationships moderated the association between school engagement and youth-reported internalizing. Furthermore, peer relationships mediated the association between school engagement and internalizing, but not externalizing behaviors, while relationships with foster parents mediated associations between school engagement and both self- and caregiver reports of both internalizing and externalizing. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Sexuality for Teens on the Autism Spectrum.

Health care providers and educators play critical roles in supporting healthy sexuality development for youth with autism spectrum disorder. There is limited information about the sexual behavior of these youth, especially girls, and about their access to sexuality education or health care services. This study addressed these gaps by surveying parents of youth with autism aged 12-18 years (N = 298, 52.7% boys) with a range of intellectual functioning. According to parent report, most youth experienced sexual attraction and were interested in relationships, including same-sex attraction or relationships (13.2%). Girls were more likely than boys to have had a romantic relationship and less likely to have experienced school or legal consequences for sexual behavior. Around one-fifth of youth had engaged in a socially inappropriate sexual behavior, whereas 6.4% had a known sexual abuse history and 14.5% were bullied by peers for lack of sexual knowledge. Almost 40% received no sex education in school or in the community, including 60.9% of youth with parent-reported intelligence quotient under 70. Some parents consulted with school personnel (36.4%) or health care providers (55.9%) about sexuality issues, whereas 19.5% reported taking no action aside from talking to their child about sexuality. Utilization models including predisposing, enabling, and needs-related factors were applied to parent consultation with providers and use of school-based sexuality education programming. The results suggest unmet needs for sexual and reproductive health services, particularly among youth who are younger, those who have co-occurring intellectual disability, or those who are homeschooled or who attend private, charter, or therapeutic versus public schools.

Parent-identified strengths of autistic youth

Autism is a condition frequently characterized by social and communication challenges. Because most research focuses on understanding and reducing challenges, less is known about the strengths of autistic individuals. This is especially true of those who are transitioning into adulthood. We designed this research study to provide information about how parents perceive the strengths of their autistic adolescent children prior to the transition. We reviewed 39 parent interviews from previous research about how they prepare their autistic sons and daughters for adulthood. Without prompting, parents identified many strengths of their autistic children. Diverse strengths and skills they identified included intelligence, creativity, physical abilities, and self-care skills. These strengths are interesting, as they cover traits that are often thought of as areas of difficulty for autistic youth. However, parents also talked about strengths alongside challenges, and how specific supports would be needed to help their sons and daughters fully realize their strengths. These findings are important, as they help us know more about the strengths of autistic youth and how strengths can be supported when preparing for adulthood. Our findings also help reveal strengths that are particularly apparent during the transition to adulthood.

Navigating Risk Discourses: a Narrative Analysis of Parental Experiences in the Career and Life Development of Youth not in Education, Employment, or Training

Although the career and life development needs of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) have garnered interest from researchers and policymakers in recent decades, how parents experience their NEET children’s development and how they make meaning of their parental journeys remain underexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine such parents’ experiences with their NEET children’s career and life development by conducting individual, semi-structured interviews with such parents, particularly in the Chinese cultural context of Hong Kong. Fourteen parents of NEET youth in Hong Kong were recruited via purposive sampling, each of whose NEET child was between 15 and 21 years old. Using narrative thematic analysis of interviews for data analysis, the results revealed that the parents had experienced a range of negative emotions and relied upon both contemporary and cultural conceptualizations of career, risk, and parenting to make sense of their children’s circumstances. Whereas some parents blamed themselves or their children for their negative experiences, others attempted to reinterpret their parenting decisions and actions, as well as their children’s career and life challenges, by reconstructing their personal meanings of parenthood. The results suggest that the parents’ self-perceptions and well-being were subject to the influence of risk discourses on parenting. They also suggest that though macro- and micro-environments were liable to heavily influence the parents’ self-perceptions, parents who could reconstitute their reflexive selves were more likely than others to form more positive views of themselves, their children, and their parental journeys.

Youth vaping and smoking and parental vaping: a panel survey

BackgroundConcerns remain about potential negative impacts of e-cigarettes including possibilities that: youth e-cigarette use (vaping) increases risk of youth smoking; and vaping by parents may have impacts on their children’s vaping and smoking behaviour.MethodsWith panel data from 3291 youth aged 10–15 years from the 7th wave of the UK Understanding Society Survey (2015–2017), we estimated effects of youth vaping on youth smoking (ever, current and past year initiation), and of parental vaping on youth smoking and vaping, and examined whether the latter differed by parental smoking status. Propensity weighting was used to adjust for measured confounders and estimate average effects of vaping for all youth, and among youth who vaped. E-values were calculated to assess the strength of unmeasured confounding influences needed to negate our estimates.ResultsAssociations between youth vaping and youth smoking were attenuated considerably by adjustment for measured confounders. Estimated average effects of youth vaping on youth smoking were stronger for all youth (e.g. OR for smoking initiation: 32.5; 95% CI: 9.8–107.1) than among youth who vaped (OR: 4.4; 0.6–30.9). Relatively strong unmeasured confounding would be needed to explain these effects. Associations between parental vaping and youth vaping were explained by measured confounders. Estimates indicated effects of parental vaping on youth smoking, especially for youth with ex-smoking parents (e.g. OR for smoking initiation: 11.3; 2.7–46.4) rather than youth with currently smoking parents (OR: 1.0; 0.2–6.4), but these could be explained by relatively weak unmeasured confounding.ConclusionsWhile measured confounding accounted for much of the associations between youth vaping and youth smoking, indicating support for underlying propensities, our estimates suggested residual effects that could only be explained away by considerable unmeasured confounding or by smoking leading to vaping. Estimated effects of youth vaping on youth smoking were stronger among the general youth population than among the small group of youth who actually vaped. Associations of parental vaping with youth smoking and vaping were either explained by measured confounding or could be relatively easily explained by unmeasured confounding.

Impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth: a national survey

BackgroundHealthy childhood development is fostered through sufficient physical activity (PA; including time outdoors), limiting sedentary behaviours (SB), and adequate sleep; collectively known as movement behaviours. Though the COVID-19 virus outbreak has changed the daily lives of children and youth, it is unknown to what extent related restrictions may compromise the ability to play and meet movement behaviour recommendations. This secondary data analysis examined the immediate impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on movement and play behaviours in children and youth.MethodsA national sample of Canadian parents (n = 1472) of children (5–11 years) or youth (12–17 years) (54% girls) completed an online survey that assessed immediate changes in child movement and play behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak. Behaviours included PA and play, SB, and sleep. Family demographics and parental factors that may influence movement behaviours were assessed. Correlations between behaviours and demographic and parental factors were determined. For open-ended questions, word frequency distributions were reported.ResultsOnly 4.8% (2.8% girls, 6.5% boys) of children and 0.6% (0.8% girls, 0.5% boys) of youth were meeting combined movement behaviour guidelines during COVID-19 restrictions. Children and youth had lower PA levels, less outside time, higher SB (including leisure screen time), and more sleep during the outbreak. Parental encouragement and support, parental engagement in PA, and family dog ownership were positively associated with healthy movement behaviours. Although families spent less time in PA and more time in SB, several parents reported adopting new hobbies or accessing new resources.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of immediate collateral consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak, demonstrating an adverse impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. These findings can guide efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics.

Foster parents' experiences of using child mental health and welfare services in Norway: Associations with youth, placement, and service characteristics

AbstractThe measurement of user experience has gained international attention as a tool for improving quality of care. Because foster families have a high need for service support, we examined quality of care from the foster parent's perspective and associated characteristics. We collected information about type and frequency of service use in the last 2 years and standardized measures of user‐reported experiences and outcomes from foster parents of youths aged 11–18 years in Norway (N = 290). We analysed the data using descriptive statistics, independent samples t‐tests and multiple regressions. Overall, foster parents had positive service experiences, and around half reported improvement in youth condition and function compared with before the service contact. The foster parents gave similar evaluations of child welfare services and specialized mental health services but indicated different strengths and weaknesses of the providers. Younger age, more frequent service contact and less waiting time were associated with positive service experiences, while less mental health problems and fewer years in current foster home were related to positive perceptions of outcomes. Our results indicate focus areas for increasing quality of care from the user perspective, for example, sharing information, cooperation between services, having frequent enough service contact and reducing waiting time.

Reducing aggressive behaviour among children in educational and social practices

Current study research possible strategies in reducing aggressive behaviour of 3 target groups – preschoolers, at-risk children deprived of parental care and youth with severe disabilities. Target group 1 is researched within gathering evidence of the attitude of Bulgarian teachers and parents (n=1436) towards the Emotional Intelligence education of the preschoolers by applying a questionnaire with 7 items Likert scale. Bulgarian children without parents (n=40) comprised intervention within 4 interaction strategies using normal and high voice, positive and negative language and have been subjected to surveillance in a pre-standardized checklist. Children and youth with severe disabilities in Bulgaria comprised intervention (n=12) in a non-verbal alternative communication program and have been subjected by questionnaires and surveillance. Results of current study demonstrate that developing emotional intelligence and using different language and alternative strategies would reduce the aggression but should be considerate with individual specifics of children and current educational and social reality

Using a think-aloud methodology to understand online physical activity information search experiences and preferences of parents of children and youth with disabilities.

The Internet is a preferred source of physical activity (PA) information. However, limited research exists regarding the experiences of parents of children and youth with disabilities (CYWD) in searching for PA programme information online. This research examined the experiences and preferences of parents of CYWD in searching for PA programme information online. Parents of CYWD (n=10) participated in a think-aloud exercise while searching for PA programme information online. Following the think-aloud exercise, semi-structured interviews were used to further understand parents' experiences and preferences in searching for PA programme information online. Parents identified key features that contributed to a positive online search experience. Additionally, parents noted challenges and resulting negative affect that was experienced. This research can inform the development and dissemination of online PA programme information that is accessible and relevant to the preferences of parents of CYWD and can facilitate positive search experiences.

Behavioral barriers to the use of modern methods of contraception among unmarried youth and adolescents in eastern Senegal: a qualitative study

BackgroundMany unmarried young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) want to avoid pregnancy but do not use modern methods of contraception—as a result, half of teen births in these countries are unintended. Researchers have identified numerous barriers that prevent youth from using contraception. However, much of the research in West Africa is narrowly focused on married women, and relatively little research has been done to understand the needs, preferences, barriers, and solution set for sexually active unmarried young people who would like to avoid pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the behavioral barriers that prevent unmarried young people in eastern Senegal from using modern methods of contraception.MethodsThis qualitative study conducted in 2017 in the Tambacounda and Kedougou regions in Senegal explores attitudes and beliefs relating to sex and contraception among unmarried young women and men through 48 in-depth individual interviews with young people aged 15–24 and parents of youth and 5 sex-segregated focus groups with 6–9 young people per group. The research team conducted a thematic content analysis and synthesized the findings by major theme following the behavioral diagnosis methodology.ResultsDrawing insights from behavioral science, the analysis yields five key findings: (1) unmarried young people avoid making a decision about contraception because thinking about contraceptive use provokes uncomfortable associations with a negative identity (i.e., being sexually active before marriage); (2) unmarried young people see modern methods as inappropriate for people like them; (3) unmarried young people are overconfident in their ability to prevent pregnancy through traditional and folk methods; (4) unmarried young people overestimate the social and health risks of modern contraceptive methods; and (5) unmarried young people fail to plan ahead and are not prepared to use modern contraceptive methods before every sexual encounter.ConclusionsInterventions aimed at increasing uptake of contraceptives among unmarried young people in eastern Senegal must address several significant behavioral barriers in addition to structural, informational, and socio-cultural barriers in order to be successful.

Psychological problems in parents of children and adolescents with chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Pediatric chronic pain conditions impose substantial suffering on youth and the stress and suffering associated with these problems can affect the mental health of parents. The objective of this review is to describe and quantify links between youth chronic pain and parental mental health. A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted from their inceptions to December 2019. Studies were included if they had an observational study design, recruited parents of youth aged 0–18 years and suffering from chronic pain, and mental health outcomes were assessed in parents. Of the seven studies that met our inclusion criteria, two were eligible for meta-analysis and suggested that the mental health of these parents may be worse overall. While this finding was not statistically significant, it was supported by a number of other eligible studies. Research also suggests that child pain may increase the frequency but not intensity of stress events for parents, that mothers may experience a greater burden of psychological symptoms than fathers, and that the parents of youth with chronic pain may exhibit better social functioning. More research is needed to clarify the nature of the mental health risks present in parents of youth with chronic pain.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Decreases Hypoglycemia Avoidance Behaviors, but Not Worry in Parents of Youth With New Onset Type 1 Diabetes.

Existing research shows that hypoglycemia fear (HF) is common in parents of children with established type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined parental HF in the T1D recent-onset period and evaluated whether continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) adoption relates to improved outcomes of parental HF. In TACKLE-T1D, a prospective study of five- to nine-year olds with recent-onset T1D, parents completed the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Parents (HFS-P) at baseline (T1) and 6 (T2) and 12 (T3) months post-baseline. The HFS-P measures worry about hypoglycemia (HFS-Worry score) as well as hypoglycemia avoidance behaviors (HFS-Behavior score). We recorded CGM start dates for youth during the same time period through medical record review. Between T1 and T2, 31 youth (32.3%) initiated CGM therapy, and between T2 and T3, an additional 17 youth (17.7%) began using CGM, leaving 48 youth who never initiated CGM therapy (50%) in the recent-onset period. Parents reported moderate HFS-Worry scores at T1 (32.9 ± 11.9), which increased between T1 and T2 (37.6 ± 11.4, P < .001) and plateaued between T2 and T3 (37.7 ± 12.4, P = .89). In contrast, parental HFS-Behavior scores decreased between T1 (33.1 ± 5.8) and T2 (32.2 ± 6.0, P = .005) and plateaued between T2 and T3 (32.2 ± 6.0, P = .95). Baseline HFS-Behavior and Worry scores were associated with increased adoption of CGM between T1-T2 and T2-T3, respectively. Parents of children initiating CGM therapy between T1 and T2 showed the largest decrease in HFS-Behavior (P = .03). Initiating CGM therapy within the first 12 months of T1D may help reduce parents' use of hypoglycemia avoidance behaviors, but has little effect on parents' hypoglycemia worry.

Parental education and youth educational aspiration in Singapore: a path analysis in institutional and psychological context

ABSTRACT Applying path analysis to 237 secondary school students and 320 post-secondary students in Singapore, parents’ education was found to have important effects on adolescents’ educational aspiration as mediated through educational track and adolescents’ financial stress and self-esteem. This effect is strong for adolescents in both secondary and post-secondary education, with slight differences in the specific psychological process. The findings imply calibration of education towards parity and psychosocial interventions to improve adolescents’ self-concepts, coping and aspirations. However, in the context of fast economic transformation, a burgeoning middle class, a differentiated education system, and high-income inequality, policy and psychosocial interventions will have limited effectiveness without addressing labour market disparities and the social stigma of vocational and technical education.