Values in Action: Real-World Examples and Data
Positive Examples
The “Pygmalion Effect” in Education: Research by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) demonstrated the power of positive expectations in education. When teachers were led to believe that certain students were “intellectual bloomers,” those students showed significant academic gains, regardless of their actual abilities. This highlights the impact of parents’ belief in their children’s potential, which can translate into higher expectations and greater support, ultimately leading to improved academic performance.
Resilience and Positive Coping: Studies on resilience have shown that individuals who have internalized positive values, such as perseverance, optimism, and self-efficacy, are better equipped to cope with stress, adversity, and trauma. These values, often instilled by parents, provide a strong foundation for navigating life’s challenges and maintaining mental well-being.
Prosocial Behavior and Civic Engagement: Research by Hart and Fegley (1995) found that adolescents who reported greater parental support for prosocial values, such as empathy and compassion, were more likely to engage in volunteer work and community service. This suggests that parental values can influence not only individual behavior but also a young person’s willingness to contribute to the greater good.
Negative Examples
The Cycle of Violence: Studies on intergenerational transmission of violence have shown that children who witness or experience violence in their families are more likely to perpetuate violence in their own relationships. This highlights the detrimental impact of negative values, such as aggression and control, which can be passed down through generations.
Materialism and Consumerism: Research has linked excessive materialism and consumerism to lower levels of well-being, increased anxiety, and decreased prosocial behavior. When parents prioritise material possessions and status over intrinsic values, their children may internalize these priorities, leading to negative consequences for their mental health and social relationships.
Prejudice and Discrimination: Studies have shown that children’s attitudes towards different social groups are often influenced by their parents’ beliefs and behaviors. When parents express prejudice or engage in discriminatory practices, their children are more likely to adopt similar attitudes, perpetuating cycles of intolerance and inequality.
Data and Statistics
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS): This CDC survey tracks health risk behaviors among youth, including violence, substance abuse, and sexual activity. Data from the YRBSS can be used to examine the relationship between parental values and adolescent risk behaviors.
World Values Survey (WVS): This global survey explores people’s values and beliefs, including attitudes towards family, work, religion, and society. Data from the WVS can be used to analyze cross-cultural differences in values and their impact on individual and societal outcomes.
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health): This longitudinal study follows a nationally representative sample of adolescents into adulthood, collecting data on various aspects of their lives, including family relationships, education, and health. Data from Add Health can be used to examine the long-term impact of parental values on various outcomes.
By examining real-world examples and utilizing relevant data, we can gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence of parental values on teenagers and young adults. This knowledge can inform efforts to promote positive values and mitigate the negative impacts of harmful ones, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Reflective Question:
How can parents balance their desire to instill specific values with the need to respect their children’s autonomy and allow them to develop their own unique value systems?
_________________________________________________________________________
Enjoy these valuable resources all week long.
1) Follow The Weekly Podcast on YouTube: The Relational Leadership Podcast; The Latest Episode.
2) Ask questions you may have;
3) Get outstanding books and resources by DELE AGBOGUN;
www.deleagbogun.com