Parental Perceptions of Homework and Its Impact on Family Stress: A Mixed Methods Study of Single-Parent and Two-Parent Households

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  In Roundtable Session: Parent, child, and schools: Promoting connections

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines the impact of homework stress on both single-parent and two-parent families of elementary school students. The researchers examine how family structure affects perceptions and responses to homework stress through the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response (FAAR) model and family stress theory. This study investigates homework stress among single-parent families (n=81) and two-parent families (n=153) using a researcher-created questionnaire, “Parents’ Perceptions of Homework on Family Stress, Resilience, and Quality of Life.” Results indicate that homework demands generate stress for both types of households (e.g., single and two-parent). However, homework obligations lead to higher levels of stress among single-parent families compared to two-parent households.

Authors

• Jessica McCormick, University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg

• Natalie Conrad Barnyak, University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown