Mothers' Advice and Youth Responses in Early Academic Challenges
This study investigates how mothers' advice affects youths' coping with academic challenges during early adolescence. Researchers analyzed 100 conversations between mothers and their 11-year-old children, focusing on real-life academic issues. Mothers primarily offered cognitive reappraisal advice, encouraging youth to think in less threatening ways, along with strategizing and help-seeking advice. The study found that youths' responses to advice were often ambiguous.
Seven months later, the study examined the impact of this advice on youths' coping strategies and school engagement. Cognitive reappraisal advice from mothers was linked to more adaptive coping behaviors in youths. However, strategizing and help-seeking advice were associated with less adaptive coping. The effectiveness of the advice was moderated by how youths responded to it. Specifically, youths who accepted their mothers' advice showed better coping skills.
The study highlights the importance of the type of advice mothers give and how youths' immediate reactions can influence the long-term effectiveness of the advice. Understanding these dynamics can help parents support their children's academic adjustment during the challenging transition to middle school.
