A Study on Home Economics Skills/Knowledge (HES/K) and Family Environment

• In Event: Families and Offending

Abstract

Various family problems have been identified as risk factors of juvenile delinquency. In addition, research has shown that these risk factors tend to occur in clusters. Early intervention programs tackling family problems often provide trainings on some HES/K, e.g., interpersonal relationship skills and parenting skills. Aiming to identify a systematic way to solve family problems and, in turn, to prevent delinquency, this study examines the relationship between HES/K in general and three key aspects of family environment - parenting, marital conflict, and financial wellbeing. It further identifies major sources of participants’ HES/K. Analyzing survey data collected through Qualtrics (n=280) and using Linear Regression Models in SPSS 25, the authors have found that both participants’ marital conflict and parenting behavior are significantly related to their HES/K after controlling confounding factors. However, there is no significant effect of HES/K found on participants’ family financial wellbeing. The authors have also identified major sources of HES/K including formal education, close family members, and social media. The findings and implications of this study are discussed.

Authors

• Xiaoli Su, Jackson State University

• Jacqueline Suzanne Chavez, Troy University