Child Psychology Commons^™

The Genesis Of Generativity: Looking For Signs Of The Seventh Stage In Adolescence, Heather Leigh Lawford

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of the present study was to investigate Erikson’s construct of generativity, defined as care and concern for the next generation and usually viewed as important for midlife adults, in a late adolescent sample using a developmental perspective. Generativity was studied using the seven component model developed by McAdams and de St. Aubain (1992). The current study examined the presence of four components of the generativity model at age 22: generative concern (concern for future generations), generative commitment (commitment to leave a lasting contribution to future generations), generative acts (actions or behaviours that benefit future generations), and generative narration …

The Internet And Youth Engagement: An Exploration Of How Youth Spend Their Time Online And Its Relation To Civic Involvement, Trevor P.D. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Internet use and civic involvement in youth. Participants consisted of 378 youth between the ages of 16 and 25 from across Canada. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of a measure called the Youth Inventory of Involvement, designed to assess civic involvement in youth. Brief measures of introversion/extraversion and depression were also completed. Participants then completed questions designed to assess the amount of time they spend online in an average week, as well as for what they use the Internet. Results indicate that there may be a non-linear relationship between amount …

Coping With Loss: A Qualitative Study Of The Experience Of Sibling Bereavement In Young Adulthood, Purnima Sundar

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Existing literature in the area of bereavement as it pertains to young persons focuses primarily upon the death of a parent, and the age groups most studied are either children or adolescents. The goal of this thesis project, therefore, has been to develop an in-depth understanding of the experience of sibling bereavement in young adulthood, looking at factors that both helped and hindered effective coping. Specifically, in-depth interviews with 7 young women who had suffered the loss of a sister or brother while between the ages of 18 and 30 were conducted in an effort to shed light on this …

Two Views Of Identity Development In Adolescence: An Empirical Comparison Of The Narrative And Status Approaches, Kathleen Mackey

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationships among personal life stories, identity status development and family climate during late adolescence. The current study examines the parallels between two conceptions of identity: Marcia's interview assessment of identity status development, and McAdams’ narrative conception of identity development as revealed through the life story. A sample of 131 high school students, 51 males and 80 females, were asked to recall and discuss a critical incident that had a crucial impact on their beliefs and values. Marcia's interview assessment of identity status was also administered for vocational and religious domains. …

Adolescent Openness To The Parental Viewpoint In Narrative: Longitudinal Prediction Of Adolescent Adjustment, Cheryl Ann Hicks

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Adolescent openness to the parental viewpoint, as assessed through a narrative methodology, was tested as a longitudinal predictor of adolescent adjustment. Thirty adolescents (14 females, 16 males) were asked to describe their parents’ perspective on matters considered important to their values and development. These narratives were scored via a newly developed ‘parent voice’ measure, which quantitatively rates the degree of openness and respect the adolescent extends to the parental viewpoint. Parent voice scores significantly predicted adolescent adjustment four years later. Furthermore, the findings suggest voice may be mediating the positive relationship between authoritative parenting and subsequent adolescent adjustment. The quality …

Planning And Developing School-Based Community Supports For Refugee Children, Peggy (Margaret) Nickels

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Despite the growing numbers of refugee families settling in Canada, there is little or no documentation on how to support the healing process of refugee children. The purpose of this study was to learn about planning and developing school-based community supports for these children by examining and documenting several school-based community initiatives in Kitchener-Waterloo. Data collected included three focus group interviews, seven key informant interviews, a document review, and a research process journal. Findings were organized around motivation, guiding values and principles, resources, processes, actions, partnerships, dynamics, and sustainability. Shared values and principles emerged as the passion and the glue …

Parenting Experience And Gender Role Socialization In Toy Play Situations, Sara Elizabeth Gugula

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study investigated the role of parenting experience on the gender socialization of children. Each of the children (N=48) played with three adults; one of their parents, one parent of another child, and one non-parent. The amount of time children and adults played with gender-specific toys, adults’ categorization of toys into gender categories and adults’ desirability ratings of gender-specific toys were examined. Results indicated that boys spent most of their time playing with masculine toys, while girls spent an equal amount of time playing with feminine and neutral toys and the least amount of time playing with masculine toys. The …

Implementing School Supports For The Wellness Of Newcomer Children, Jeannette L. Amio

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The present thesis chronicles a participatory study of the implementation of school-based supports geared to the newcomer children of Highfield Junior School. A dual focus on research and action was integral to the objectives of the investigation, namely to: a) illuminate the present network of school supports, b) compose an ideal configuration of a school attentive to the needs of newcomers, and c) prescribe implementation steps that can transform the school closer to the ideal. To ground the study, I review the adaptation difficulties of newcomer children, the preventive measures that schools can take to reduce these vulnerabilities. and how …

The Role Of Parental Authoritarianism And Religiosity In Child-Rearing Goals And Practices, Henry Akuoko Danso

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Do one's religion and authoritarian attitudes affect child-rearing techniques? Research suggests that factors such as religious orientation, educational attainment and authoritarian attitudes of parents are implicated in their child-rearing goals and practices (e.g., Wiehe, 1990). Also, parents' fundamentalist religious orientation is associated with an authoritarian norm of parenting, which involves greater emphasis on obedience and the use of punitive disciplinary practices (Ellison & Sherkat, 1993a; 1993b). 83 mothers and 71 fathers participated in a survey to examine how parents' religious orientation and their endorsement of right-wing authoritarian attitudes are linked to the kinds of goals they establish for their children, …

A Survey Of The Sources Of Information That Influence Adolescents' Knowledge And Attitudes About Sex And Dating Relationships, Laura Park

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study was an initial attempt to understand the impact of parents, peers, the media, and sex education curricula on shaping adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes about dating relationships and sexuality. In addition, participants’ descriptions of what constitutes a “good” date and a “bad” date were investigated. One hundred participants (48 females, 52 males) aged thirteen to sixteen participated; half of the sample were early adolescents (13-14 years) and the other half were middle adolescents (15-16 years). All participants were asked to describe experienced or hypothetical “good” and “bad” dates. For “good” dates, respondents identified engaging in fun, recreational activities, whereas …

The Use Of Dance In The Promotion Of Mental Health In Girls: An Exploratory Study, Irene E. Rossberg-Gempton

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study had two purposes: (1) to understand how girls experience dance and (2) to examine the idea of using dance as a venue to promote psychological well—being and artistic growth in young children. Fifteen girls between the ages of 3 1/2 and 10 years old participated in a dance program offering dance warm ups, dance techniques, sequential dance steps, pantomime explorations, and creative dance. Methods of data collection included journal notes, video—taped observations, parental interviews, and children's self—reports, drawings, and interviews. The formative evaluation of this dance program indicated that the participants of this small rural community had happy …

The Relation Between Empathic Listening Styles And Moral Reasoning Development In Adolescents, Susan Elizabeth Curror

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The focus of this study was to investigate developmental changes in thinking about relationships and the listening attitudes of males and females from middle to late adolescence. Gilligan’s (1982) analysis of the distinctions between care and justice moral orientations was presented as a possible explanation for the development of a gender difference in listening behaviour. Thirty-two middle (15-16 year old) and 30 late (18-20 year old) adolescents were interviewed concerning a disagreement they had experienced with a friend. Two additional standard scenarios were also presented to students which involved a conflict between a parent and child. Responses were scored for …

Microgenetic Development In Preschoolers' Private Speech, Robert Muir Duncan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Vygotsky’s theory of the development of children’s private (or egocentric) speech is discussed, and related empirical research is reviewed. A pilot study demonstrates the visibility of a microgenetic experimental approach to the problem of private speech. The research detailed herein consists of a three-session repeated-measures microgenetic experiment involving 40 five-year-old children, investigating questions which arise both from Vygotsky’s original work on private speech and from contemporary research. Participants in this study were videotaped while working on both paper-folding and story-sequencing tasks. Results showed greater quantities of private speech while participants worked on paper-folding tasks compared with story-sequencing tasks, on difficult …

Changing Attitudes Of Children In Grades Three To Six Towards Persons With Disabilities Via The 'Kids On The Block' Program, Valerie A. Baker

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the “Kids on the Block” program in the Waterloo Regional schools as part of the work of the Independent Living Center of Waterloo Region. The “Kids on the Block” program was designed to teach school age children about handicapped children and adults. The main emphasis of the program is to foster the development of positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. As well, the “Kids on the Block” program also provides knowledge about various disabilities. This research attempted to study the impact of the “Kids on the Block” program on children in grades …

Support For Non-Therapeutic Research With Incompetent Children An Argument From An Ethical Perspective, Jim Izawa

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The thesis of this paper contends that the judgement rendered in the case re Eve v. “E.” by the Supreme Court of Canada on October 23, 1986, from an ethical perspective demonstrates limitations in the legal judgement. Moreover, the thesis maintains that the legal arguments presented in the judgement are narrowly developed. If this paper should demonstrate the above mentioned, then, it of necessity questions the adequacy of the present case law. It is the hope of this paper that the evaluation of the “Eve” case from an ethical viewpoint will evoke further discussion from both the legal and medical …

Youth Needs Assessment: Scadding Court Community Centre, Jacqueline M. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This paper looks at the present state of youth, their education, employment status, family life, psychological well-being and their hopes and aspirations. It also discusses the negative labeling and oppression experienced by youth, and methods of reducing them. The research focuses on youth a Scadding Court Community Centre in downtown Toronto. Thirty-four youth at the Centre participated in a needs assessment, utilizing a four part questionnaire, during the months of March and April, 1988. Confidentiality was of the utmost importance due to the personal nature of some of the questions. The questionnaire ascertained how the youth feel about the Centre; …

Cultural Enhancement Programs And Attitude Change Toward Minority South Asian Children, Fred Gloade

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Individual attitudes and beliefs have a deep influence on perceptions of others in the environment. This study was concerned with the attitudes of 10 year old Euro-Canadian children toward their South Asian (East Indian) peers and with the alteration of these attitudes in a more positive direction. A within subjects design was utilized to measure participants pre/post test attitude scores toward the South Asian minority children as a function of experimental exposure to selected cultural material. Specifically, three conditions were manipulated in two contrasting settings: active, passive and control, in either high or low ethnic density schools. The three treatment …

An Evaluation Of A Program To Aid Generalization Of Social Skills Training With Grade 3 And 4 Children, Patricia M. Caron

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This research evaluated two interventions for aiding children in the generalization of social problem-solving skills training: (1) social problem-solving training with teacher-student “dialoguing”, peer pairing, and self-monitoring, and (2) social problem-solving training with teacher-student “dialoguing” only. These two experimental interventions were compared with a non-equivalent control group. It was found that both experimental and control groups improved in the performance of social skills. However, there were no significant differences between the two experimental groups and the control groups on measures of social skills performance, behavioral adjustment, self-efficacy and peer acceptance. These results were consistent with previous research in the area …

On The Nature Of Phonological Recoding In Early Readers, Thomas Yoannidis

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

A major assumption in research on basic processes in word recognition has been that the phonological code which may be utilized to access meaning from printed text is unitary in nature and is always disrupted by articulatory suppression. Recent evidence however, suggests that at least two separate phonological codes are operative in adults. Besner, Davies and Daniels (1981), and Besner and Davelaar (1982) found that while the phonological code which supports the maintenance of information in short-term memory was affected by suppression, the code which supports lexical access was not. A developmental study by Barron and Baron (1977) relied heavily …

Attitude Change In Children And Satisfaction Change In Elders As A Function Of An Intergenerational Integration Program, Terry M. Shkilnyk

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This research involved the development, implementation and evaluation of a 20 week visitation program between 29 senior citizens in a nursing home and 51 adolescents in grades six, seven and eight. It was hypothesized that this type of intergenerational integration would not only benefit the elders involved but also improve the students’ attitudes toward the aged. The results indicated that the elders who were visited showed a significantly higher degree of life satisfaction compared to elders who were not visited. However, there was no effect found on the attitudes of the adolescents toward elders. Results were discussed in terms of …

The Effects Of Peer-Tutoring In Social Skills Development Groups For Antisocial Children, Connie S. Van Andel

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Sixteen children in grades 1–6, displaying antisocial behavior, as judged by teachers, guidance counsellors, principals and parents, participated in an 18 week social skills training program. The effectiveness of the program was assessed using a pre-test, post-test non-equivalent comparison group design and a multiple baseline analysis of individual children’s daily positive and negative behavior as rated by teachers. The comparison group consisted of 16 social skilled children, as judged by teachers, guidance counsellors and principals. Results indicated that the antisocial children had as much knowledge of social skills as socially skilled children before the intervention program began and they gained …

An Assessment Of The Validity Of The Developmental Inventory Scales For Children (Disc), Marian Kathleen Mainland

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The Developmental Inventory Scales for Children (DISC) was designed as a screening device for preschool children. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of the DISC. Twenty male and twenty female preschoolers were observed for three 30 minute sessions and their activities recorded by an observer. The observer then rated each child in each of the areas of the DISC under study. Each child was then rated by his/her teacher and one parent using the same rating scales as had the observer. The DISC was then administered to each child and each of the areas under study …

Discrimination Of Bidimensional Stimuli By Autistic Children, Kathryn A. Brock

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Four autistic and four normal children were trained to respond on a series of four bidimensional complex-component discrimination tasks where the complex stimuli were comprised of auditory and visual components. The results indicated a transfer of learning effect for the autistic group. The increment in performance was such that the autistic group’s performance did not significantly differ from the normal group on the last task. These results were seen as encouraging evidence that the apparent phenomenon of stimulus overselectivity, as described in previous research, is not an enduring characteristic of autistic children. It was suggested that further research is needed …

Racial Awareness, Preference And Self-Identification In Negro And Caucasian Early Elementary School Children (Grades Kindergarten, One And Three), Jean Marie Leforge

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Pictures of three identical faces differing only in skin colour were shown to 88 Negro and Caucasian subjects in grades kindergarten, one and three and questions about the pictures were asked. The procedure was designed to measure racial preference, awareness and self-identification and social awareness on the part of the subjects. Male subjects saw pictures of male faces and female subjects saw female faces. An experimental group of approximately one-half of the subjects saw a fourth picture face, which represented a novel stimulus and which was included to probe the reaction of the subjects to novelty.

In addition, a warm-up …

A Multivariate Analysis Of The Factors Affecting Treatment In A Child Guidance Centre, Brian Charles Regan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Initially, all the children who had received treatment and been discharged from the West End Créche between 1962 and 1971 were selected for this study. These children were then sub-divided into groups according to where they had gone after discharge. This study considered only two of these groups, 32 children who went into the normal school system and 20 children who entered institutions after being discharged. Both groups were then examined with reference to a list of forty-two variables which provided information on the children’s background and the facilities of the treatment centre. An analysis of these variables demonstrated that …

An Investigation Of Three Aspects Of Cognitive Style In Young Children, Briar D. Gaudun

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the developmental concept of the process of differentiation as reflected in cognitive style with three and seven year old male and female Ss. The ideas underlying this study stemmed from the Witkin concept of an analytical versus a global cognitive style. The design, however, differed considerably from the studies of Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, and Karp (1962) by incorporating three aspects of psychological functioning which theoretically should be highly related, although they have never been investigated simultaneously. The three aspects of psychological functioning were perceptual articulation as measured by the Preschool …

The Effects Of Rehearsal And Mediation Under Two Temporal Conditions Of Stimulus-Response Presentation In Paired-Associate Learning With Normal And Retarded Children, Alan J. Finalyson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The effects of two stimulus-response durations (2 and 5 seconds) on performance in a paired-associate learning (PAL) task was assessed. The 3 x 3 x 2 design also permitted a comparison of the effects of rehearsal, mediated interference and the differential performance of normals and non-institutionalized and institutionalized retardates (n = 30, mean age = 12.6). The retarded groups were further matched on I.Q. scores on three factors of the Adaptive Behavior Scales (ABS). The stimuli were conceptually related, black and white, line drawn pictures of common objects. The results were twofold: a facilitating effect for increased S-R duration which …

Auditory-Visual And Temporal-Spatial Integration Ability Of Good And Poor Readers At Two Grade Levels, N.H. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

An investigation was made into the relation between grade level, reading ability and performance on six different auditory-visual integration tasks. The subjects, 38 second grade and 38 fifth grade students selected on the basis of their scores on the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, were individually tested for ability to perform on the six tasks. The results showed a significant difference in ability to perform the integration tasks between the grade two and grade five subjects with the latter being better. A relation was found between reading level and certain of the integration tasks, with this relation varying between the two grades. …