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March 7, 2005
Black, Hispanic and White
American Mothers of Teens: Looking for a National Standard of Success |
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Recently, researchers determined that the total time mothers and adolescents spend
together has the greatest influence on perceptions of a mother’s success, in both the
mother’s and the adolescent’s view.
The study showed that good communication between mother and teenager helps both
generations to understand each other, and to learn from the other’s experiences.
Methods
Researchers studied 1,545 subjects, 806 of whom were adolescents, and 739 of whom were
mothers of adolescents. Of the total subjects, 731 were White, 559 were Black, and 255
were Hispanic. The numbers were weighted to match the most recent census (2000)
percentages, and only after that were final results calculated. The subjects lived in the
Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States.
Of the mothers, 74% were married, 91% had graduated high school, 81% were employed, and
55% had annual incomes above %35,000. In the adolescent group, 63% were between 12 and 14
years old, 58% were female, and 94% had above average grades
Mothers and students were chosen from random classrooms. The surveys for mothers included
reports on self-impressions. The adolescents described what they saw their parents,
particularly their mothers, do. 60 questions created to assess parent communication, time
management, teaching, frustration, satisfaction, and knowledge about adolescents as
individuals were asked and answered by both mothers and adolescents.
Results
Most determinants of a mother’s performance were given positive ratings by both
generations. Highest ratings were given to teaching and satisfaction. Mothers felt they
needed more information about their child's experiences; that was their greatest
limitation. Adolescents said they observed frustration to be the greatest limitation of
their mothers.
The most important thing both generations agreed upon, that affected many other values on
the survey, was the amount of time per week a mother spent with her teenager. The effect
was bigger than any other identified variables. The more time the two spent together, the
higher the rating of the mother by both generations. Mothers who spent at least 10 hours a
week with their child were seen as much more successful by teens, and by themselves.
Conclusions
This study has shown the fact that mothers and adolescents both gave mothers altogether
good performance ratings. Researchers also noted that the greatest influence on
perceptions of mother success by both generations is the amount of time mothers spend with
their teenagers.
It was found that parents need to become better informed about the experiences of their
children. If homework were given that promoted communication between the two generations,
it would be helpful. Better communication would create the respect, self-disclosure, and
reciprocal advice that are necessary for developing close relationships.
The researchers believe that since America wants to lead the world in raising healthy,
successful and well-adjusted children, it might be a better model by having high
expectations of parents, developing standards, and allocating enough economic resources so
that all children can benefit.
The complete study can be found in: Adolescence; 12/22/2004; Beckert, Troy E.
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