Predicting Students' Competence-Related Outcomes Using a Multidimensional Operationalization of Parental Structure

• In Event: 34.080 - Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: 34.080-3 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

Parental structure refers to behaviors whereby parents provide information that makes children’s environment predictable and support their competence. Farkas and Grolnick (2010) proposed a multidimensional conceptualization of structure and found it to be positively correlated with academic competence and achievement. This research being observational, we wanted to test, using survey methodology, whether competence-related outcomes were better predicted by a multidimensional operationalization of structure than by any of its underlying dimensions. A sample of 378 adolescents (178 boys, 200 girls; Mage = 14.2 years) completed measures of maternal structure, academic adjustment, achievement, efficacy and motivation. Results of exploratory structural equation modeling revealed that, overall, the composite structure score was a stronger predictor of competence-related outcomes. Implications for survey research are discussed.

Authors

• Catherine Ratelle, Université Laval

• Frederic Guay, Université Laval

• Stephane Duchesne, Université Laval

• Genevieve Boisclair Chateauvert, Université Laval